Reports: USC and UCLA in Talks to Join the Big Ten

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

When there is smoke, there is usually fire. The smoke started on Thursday afternoon when Jon Wilner reported that “USC and UCLA are planning to leave for the Big Ten as early as 2024. Move *has not been finalized* at the highest levels of power.”

Things have progressed quickly. Pete Thamel of ESPN has reported that a deal could be reached in the next 24 hours.

Spoke to a few sources who called USC and UCLA's move to the Big Ten a formality, with a press conference expected in next 24 hours. Perhaps as soon as tonight. This is essentially done.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 30, 2022

While The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach has reported that this move could mean ‘Mega Conferences” as well as that USC was behind the move.

Just got off the phone with someone who believes this eventually leads to two megaconferences — the Big Ten and SEC — with 20 or more members apiece.

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) June 30, 2022

Just got off the phone with someone who believes this eventually leads to two megaconferences — the Big Ten and SEC — with 20 or more members apiece.

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) June 30, 2022

High-level Big Ten folks have been cagey & locked down since dinner time yesterday. Was told there was a meeting with ADs and presidents last night.

Now we know why. They're talking to USC & UCLA about them joining the Big Ten: https://t.co/vutSRzI3AL

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) June 30, 2022

The Big Ten created an expansion committee and has spent several months discussing the possibility, sources tell @SINow.

“Something was going to happen to combat the Texas and Oklahoma move,” source says.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 30, 2022

Source: Don't assume the Big Ten is done.

— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) June 30, 2022

If the Big Ten isn't finished adding new schools, my bet is the next two come from this list

Oregon
Washington
Stanford
Notre Dame
Cal
Virginia
North Carolina
Duke

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) June 30, 2022

Hoosier Huddle will keep you all updated as new information comes in and if there is an official announcement. For now, sit back, grab a drink and scroll through the chaos that is Twitter.com .