Oregon, Washington leaving Pac-12 to join Big Ten in 2024
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Oregon and Washington are leaving the Pac-12 and joining the Big Ten in 2024, officials announced Friday.
The Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted to admit the two schools. They will join the conference on Aug. 2, 2024.
“We look forward to building long-lasting relationships with the universities, administrators and staff, student-athletes, coaches and fans,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said in a press release. “Both institutions feature a combination of academic and athletic excellence that will prove a great fit for our future.”
In a press release, University of Oregon President Karl Scholz said he’s thrilled to be joining the nation’s “preeminent academic-athletic conference.”
“Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country,” Scholz said.
Ana Mari Cauce, the University of Washington’s president, praised the Big Ten’s “strong” athletic and academic traditions in a statement.
“My top priority must be to do what is best for our student-athletes and our University, and this move will help ensure a strong future for our athletics program,” she said.
UCLA and USC are also leaving the Pac-12 and joining the Big Ten next season.
B1G things ahead. #GoDucks
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) August 4, 2023
It is unknown if the additions of Washington and Oregon will change conference schedules for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
SEE ALSO: Big Ten unveils Nebraska football’s 2024, 2025 conference schedules
As of Friday night, the Pac-12 is losing a total of five schools in 2024. There are also rumors that more schools could be exiting the conference.
Statement from University of Nebraska leadership on Big Ten expansion. pic.twitter.com/kkOL2vBY4I
— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) August 4, 2023
