Huge 10 commish: Sticking at 18 schools for now

• Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Elder WriterJul 23, 2024, 11:59 AM ET

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  • College football press reporter.
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
  • Graduate of Northwestern University.INDIANAPOLIS– After expanding

in each of the previous two summer seasons, the Big Ten anticipates to remain at 18 members as it prepares to welcome four brand-new additions from the West Coast.Commissioner Tony Petitti said at Big Ten media days Tuesday that the league is”focused on the 18 right now, “as USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington will formally sign up with the conference next month. Petitti took a comparable position towards USC and UCLA at 2023 Huge Ten media days, however motion from the Pac-12 to other conferences led to a fast pivot and the additions of both Oregon and Washington in early August.”A great deal of work had to be done to incorporate USC, UCLA, and we began that work over immediately when we included Oregon and Washington, “Petitti stated.” So I believe we’re really comfortable with where we are. We have actually got to get this conference right, which’s where our focus is. “Petitti praised the achievements of the 4 new members throughout his opening remarks, keeping in mind 10 Heisman Trophy winners, 73 College Football Hall of

Famers, 41 Rose Bowl champions and 173 first-round NFL draft picks, including 6 in the 2024 draft and the very first total selection in USC quarterback Caleb Williams. In-season travel will be more challenging for both the 4 schools and the Big 10’s existing members, although the league crafted football schedules to avoid cross-country trips in successive weeks.”I actually believe scheduling is something that has to be continuously assessed by sport, “Petitti said.”And I prepare for that we’ll get a lot more right in these next couple of years, the method we’ve formatted and set up. But it’s our task to listen to student-athletes, to listen to coaches, to make sure that we’re changing and making the modification we need.”Petitti announced that the Big Ten football national championship will stay at Lucas Oil Arena in Indianapolis through at least 2028 but that alternative sites will be checked out, including those on the West Coast. The league’s title game has been played in Indianapolis since its beginning in 2011.”It’s really crucial that markets around the country get to experience Huge Ten championships, “Petitti stated.”It’s a really good way to link the conference. So in time, you’ll start to see the geographic footprint broaden.”