Iowa AD Gary Barta praises B1G’s additions of USC, UCLA

The B1G’s expansion move in adding USC and UCLA set waves across college athletics Thursday. While the full fallout is yet to be determined, immediate reactions from within the conference have been positive.

In Iowa City, Iowa AD Gary Barta praised the move while saying the two new programs fit the “culture” of the B1G in terms of attention to academics and athletics. He admitted to a number of logistical issues still to work through but said he is “eager” to get started.

Iowa President Barbara Wilson also commented on the move as enhancing the B1G’s “comprehensive excellence in academics, research and athletics.” Wilson also pointed to excitement in welcoming the new programs to experience Iowa City and the Hawkeye campus.

John Steppe with The Gazette shared the statements:

#Hawkeyes AD Gary Barta in statement on Big Ten adding USC and UCLA:

“We are excited about the addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference. Both institutions fit our department’s ‘Win. Graduate. Do it right’ culture.” (1/2)

— John Steppe (@JSteppe1) July 1, 2022

UI President Barbara Wilson: “The addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten will enhance the conference’s existing comprehensive excellence in academics, research, and athletics. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to Iowa City and the UI campus.”

— John Steppe (@JSteppe1) July 1, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.