B1G reportedly not pursuing additional Pac-12 programs, waiting on one key decision

The B1G made big waves this week, officially extending invitations to USC and UCLA to join the conference out of the Pac-12. Those invitations were accepted and approved Thursday evening.

Now, the question becomes whether or not the B1G is set at 16 teams when USC and UCLA officially begin play during the 2024-25 season. While adding the two marquee programs from California is a big win, expanding further could make sense if the right opportunities present themselves.

According to Dennis Dodd with CBS Sports, the conference has told Pac-12 programs Oregon and Washington that the B1G will “stand pat for now.” The key reason for that decision is waiting on a decision from Notre Dame.

Sources: Oregon and Washington have been told by @bigten that it is standing pat for now. Waiting on a decision by Notre Dame.

— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 1, 2022

The Irish have long taken pride in the fact that they are an independent football program not aligned with any conference. However, with the era of super conferences appearing to be on the doorstep, it may finally make sense for Notre Dame to join a conference.

If Notre Dame is seeking to join a conference, the Irish will likely have no shortage of suitors. But with their proximity to other B1G programs – and some historic rivalries located inside the conference – it would make some sense for the Irish to desire the B1G.