The landscape of college football appears to be shifting, as news broke Thursday afternoon that Pac-12 Conference flagship programs USC and UCLA are reportedly finalizing deals that would make them the newest members of the Big Ten Conference in a move multiple sources describe as “imminent”.
The Trojans and Bruins would not join the Big Ten until the 2024 athletic season, and the two schools will still have to formally announce their intentions to leave the Pac-12 before applying to enroll in the Big Ten.
The official announcement of the new conference realignment is expected in the next 24 hours but the sports world is already combusting with reactions and opinions on a move that will change the college football world.
Below are some of the top reactions and opinions from Michigan and Michigan State fans after news broke Thursday afternoon.
The initial reaction appears to be mixed, as some fans are excited about the move, while others question the geography and logistics involved with adding two West Coast programs to a Midwest league.
User @OdellBretthamJr said “I couldn’t be more excited about this move for the Big Ten. Adding in two storied programs which will enhance our brand in both football and basketball. Spartans will finally claim dominance over Trojans.”
User @UMFanAugdahl said “I’m gonna get so annoyed watching Michigan have to play UCLA or USC at 10 pm at night.”
User CRobbthenapple said “The Spartans will beat the Trojans just as they did in 800 BC.”
---
Some fans are excited to see how USC and UCLA react to wintry conditions here in the Midwest.
User @W_B_Rick said “Them surfer boys gonna play one game at Northwestern with that Lake Michigan wind chill and catch hypothermia!”
User @ELSpartanews said “Can’t wait to see USC &UCLA play in Madison, Minneapolis, East Lansing and Ann Arbor in November 🤣🤣 sign me up for that.”
---
Some Michigan and Michigan State fans who currently live out West are excited about the opportunity to catch a road game in the future.
User @cgaerig said “if michigan football is playing in los angeles once a year, i may never leave this city.”
User @Nick2ndstring said “West coast Spartans will rise like the wave of a thousand tsunamis. California will run green. These LA schools will be playing road games in their own backyard, West Lansing.”
---
Some fans even had some interesting ideas to creat competitive balance in the expanding league
User @WolverineCorner said “The Big Ten should just introduce relegation to the MAC after every season. Sorry Rutgers, Northwestern, Illinois, and Purdue, you weren’t good enough this year!”
---
Some fans are speculating that the latest move by the Big Ten might finally push Notre Dame to join the league as well.
User @patgoldberg said “USC and UCLA moving to the Big Ten could lead Notre Dame to joining the conference. Opportunity to play USC, Michigan, MSU, Purdue every year to preserve some rivalries #GoIrish.”
Ad Choices