Big Ten Reportedly 'Vetted' 10 Schools For Possible Expansion

The Big Ten could be looking to add more programs should the ACC or Pac-12 disband in the near future.

Author:
Cole Thompson
Jun 6, 2023 4:15 PM EDT

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Expansion in college football is only growing, not diminishing. Come 2024, two conferences will move to 16 programs as the Big Ten welcomes Pac-12 flagships USC and UCLA, while the SEC will add Big 12 powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma.

That's just the start for the Big Ten. Could more programs join the mix in the not-so-distant future?

According to longtime reporter Jim Williams, 10 programs have been "vetted" by the Big Ten for possible membership. This list includes, in no particular order, Cal, Stanford, Oregon, Washington, Georgia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, Duke, Utah and Miami.

Westward expansion is a priority for the Big Ten and Big 12. New Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken adamantly of moving further west to own markets in all four time zones. According to reports, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Arizona State all could be potential additions to the conference should the Pac-12 dissolve due to its current predicament.

The Pac-12 is entering the final year of its current media rights deal and has yet to set a plan in motion for future broadcasting rights. Several schools have already inquired about potential statuses in different conferences, though nothing is official as of this time.

The ACC is currently in a stranglehold as well due to its grant-of-rights deal. According to Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger, the ACC has an internal rift with seven of the 14 conference schools working together to examine the grant-of-rights contract.

Nicknamed "The Magnificent Seven," the list of schools is spearheaded by Clemson and Florida State. Other programs that have been public in their dismay over the current grant-of-rights agreement include N.C. State, Miami, UNC, Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Clemson, Miami and Florida State likely would be priorities for the SEC to add from a geographical standpoint. Due to its success on the hardwood, the Big Ten likely could target Duke, Virginia and North Carolina, three programs that have won national titles since the start of the 21st century. Of course, Duke would have to be willing to leave ACC, a move that hasn't been brought to its attention by those looking to depart the ACC.

Washington and Oregon, from a revenue standpoint, would likely be prime targets for the Big Ten out west. Both programs have represented the Pac-12 in the College Football Playoff since its inaugural season in 2014, with the Ducks playing for a national title against Ohio State that season. Both programs have also found success in athletics outside of football, including softball, baseball and basketball.

As it stands, there still are five major conferences in college football, though the arrivals of Texas, Oklahoma, UCLA and USC in their new respective conferences make it seem as if there's a "Power Two." Yormark's aggressive approach likely means there could be a third power in the mix, though it would probably require the disbandment of either the ACC or Pac-12 to give the conference a more substantial well-known program.

The ever-changing times of college football seem to be an impasse for now. That doesn't mean more moves aren't in the works behind closed doors, meaning expansion toward 20 teams in the Big Ten or SEC could become realities instead of rumors.