While we previously discussed specific examples of conference moves that ARE happening, this will discuss conference moves that potentially would make sense. The following is a list of school and conference pairings that would make sense, judged in terms of level of competition, fanbase/earnings, and regional compatibility.
Written by: Joseph Rothner
April 25, 2023
Notre Dame Fighting Irish to Big Ten
Starting off with one that has been rumored since the beginning of time, Notre Dame and the Big Ten seem to be a match made in heaven. The Big Ten contains many of Notre Dame’s historic rivalries, like Michigan and USC, so those rivalries could gain new significance as conference competitions. Notre Dame also lies within the Big Ten’s traditional Midwestern catchment area, and would be an easy addition to schedules. Indeed, the Big Ten has a provision in its bylaws to allow Notre Dame to join without any entry penalty. Notre Dame also brings with it a large network of Catholic fans that is spread across the country, further adding to their case. So far, it remains to be seen whether the Fighting Irish will join a conference, but if they do, the Big Ten is the obvious choice.
University of Washington Huskies and University of Oregon Ducks to Big Ten
With the departure of two teams, it's only natural that their peers at the top of the PAC-12 join USC and UCLA in the Big Ten. The addition of two more West Coast teams makes the Big Ten much more sustainable nationally, having member schools stretching from coast to coast. With four Pacific teams, a legitimate Western division of the Big Ten could become a reality. Furthermore, Washington and Oregon have similar fanbases to Big Ten teams, as well as similar levels of competition. If the Big Ten is committed to the direction of Western expansion, Washington and Oregon are two of the best candidates.
University of Miami Hurricanes, Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers and University of Virginia Cavaliers to SEC
These are four ACC schools that have traditionally had strong basketball and football programs. Each school also fits with the SEC’s Southern focus, and has the fanbase to make an SEC move valuable. New rivalries could form, such as a potential Tennessee-Virginia rivalry, while old ones like Florida-U Miami/FSU would be reinvigorated. Obviously, any move like this would merit careful consideration by both conference and school officials, but a move to the SEC seems beneficial for both.
Boise State, UNLV, SDSU and Fresno State to PAC-12
With the loss of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten, and potentially Washington and Oregon joining them, the PAC-12 needs to step up. Boise State and UNLV both have good athletics, and are both schools that would expand the PAC-12’s catchment area beyond its current area. SDSU and Fresno State would also help the PAC-12 regain some of the ground lost in California from the loss of UCLA and USC. While none of these schools have the prominence of the schools that left for the Big Ten, the PAC-12 can’t afford to be picky at this critical time.
Pitt Panthers and Syracuse Orange to the Big Ten
There is no doubt that Pitt and Syracuse are both programs that are on the rise, and with the Big Ten on the market for teams, Pitt and Syracuse are great candidates. Both schools are large public universities with great sports programs. And while Pitt’s fanbase isn’t the largest, it has the possibility of a great rivalry with Penn State. Syracuse also has one of the most devout fanbases in the nation, and there is no doubt that their program could compete. Both schools are also located strategically within the Big Ten’s main catchment area of the Midwest. Overall, Pitt and Syracuse are both very interesting candidates for Big Ten admittance, and it will be interesting to see whether they move, or choose to stay in the ACC.
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