The Big Ten, ACC and Pac-12 formally announced an alliance between the three conferences on Tuesday afternoon.

The alliance, which seems to be in response to the SEC’s addition of Texas and Oklahoma, could become influential on the future of collegiate athletics.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith commented on the announcement in an interview with the Columbus Dispatch on Tuesday.

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“I’m excited about it,” Smith told the Dispatch’s Joe Harrington. “It has tremendous potential. Obviously there’s a lot of details that have to be worked out. Today was more of announcement around the concept and the collaboration that we’re going to have. But I’m excited about the details that eventually will be worked out that will allow us to actually function around all the different issues.

“There’s a gravitational shift in what’s happening in athletics and to know that you have partners who share your values and think like you, it’s comforting that we’ll be able to collaborate. So I’m excited about it.”

One main issue the alliance is reportedly trying to align on is the timing — and format — of College Football Playoff expansion. Smith said earlier this month that he believes college football officials should “hit the pause button” on expansion.

The alliance could also have an impact on future nonconference schedules in all sports.

Ohio State opens its 2021 season on Sept. 2 against Minnesota.