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Pac-12 gives all clear ‘to explore all expansion options’
By Paul Harvey
Published:
What a whirlwind week for the Pac-12 and college athletics across the country.
After a flurry of reports on Thursday, the Pac-12 lost USC and UCLA to the B1G. A vote on the additions came quickly Thursday evening with the two programs set to join the B1G in 2024.
On Friday, the Pac-12 responded to the move by saying it is investigating all expansion opportunities after its membership fell to 10 programs.
“The Pac-12 Board of Directors met this morning and authorized the Conference to explore all expansion options,” the statement read. “The 10 university presidents and chancellors remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes.
“While we are extremely surprised and disappointed by the news coming out of UCLA and USC today, we have a long and storied history in athletics, academics, and leadership in supporting student-athletes that we’re confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future.”
One issue that remains for the Pac-12 is whether the remaining 10 programs stay committed to the conference. Dennis Dodd with CBS Sports has reported that the B1G is currently not pursuing other programs – specifically Oregon and Washington – while the B1G waits on any news from Notre Dame.
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) July 1, 2022
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) July 1, 2022
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.