USC and UCLA leaving Pac-12 for Big Ten in 2024

MINNEAPOLIS -- The University of Minnesota will have two major West Coast competitors the Big Ten in a couple years. 

USC and UCLA -- Pac-12 powerhouses -- have been accepted as the newest members of the Big Ten conference, with league officials confirming their membership Thursday night, CBS Sports reports. 

The transition of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten will be a seismic shift in the world of college sports, similar to the one last summer when Texas and Oklahoma opted to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, a move set to transpire ahead of the 2025 season.

In acquiring the Trojans and Bruins, the Big Ten will transform from largely a Midwest conference to one that extends to both coasts. It would be a significant shift in the college sports landscape at the Power Five level, which has largely been localized with teams mostly belonging to conferences in their geographic area.

USC and UCLA would bring the Big Ten to a total of 16 teams, the same as the SEC once Texas and Oklahoma enter their fold. 

Mark Coyle, the athletics director at the University of Minnesota, said that he's excited for the competition the Trojans and Bruins will bring. 

"USC and UCLA are two of the best and most competitive athletic departments in the nation and their presence will bolster the entire conference," Coyle said, in a statement. 'These additions will also greatly enhance the student-athlete experience, expand the conference footprint from coast-to-coast and provide fans with compelling matchups and new travel destinations. This is an exciting day for Minnesota, USC, UCLA and the Big Ten."