Big Ten commish: Sticking at 18 schools for now

INDIANAPOLIS — After expanding in each of the past two summers, the Big Ten expects to stay at 18 members as it prepares to welcome four 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 officially join the conference next month. Petitti took a similar position toward USC and UCLA at 2023 Big Ten media days, but movement from the Pac-12 to other conferences resulted in a quick pivot and the additions of both Oregon and Washington in early August.

“A lot of work had to be done to integrate USC, UCLA, and we started that work over immediately when we added Oregon and Washington,” Petitti said. “So I think we’re really comfortable with where we are. We’ve got to get this conference right, and that’s where our focus is.”

Petitti praised the accomplishments of the four new members during his opening comments, noting 10 Heisman Trophy winners, 73 College Football Hall of Famers, 41 Rose Bowl championships and 173 first-round NFL draft picks, including six in the 2024 draft and the first overall selection in USC quarterback Caleb Williams. In-season travel will be more challenging for both the four schools and the Big Ten’s existing members, although the league crafted football schedules to prevent cross-country trips in consecutive weeks.

“I really believe scheduling is something that has to be constantly evaluated by sport,” Petitti said. “And I anticipate that we’ll get a lot more right in these next couple of years, the way we’ve formatted and scheduled. But it’s our job to listen to student-athletes, to listen to coaches, to make sure that we’re adjusting and making the change we need.”

Petitti announced that the Big Ten football championship game will remain at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis through at least 2028 but that alternative sites will be explored, including those on the West Coast. The league’s title game has been played in Indianapolis since its inception in 2011.

“It’s really important that markets around the country get to experience Big Ten championships,” Petitti said. “It’s a really good way to connect the conference. So over time, you’ll start to see the geographic footprint expand.”