The Big Ten is on the cusp of adding USC and UCLA to their ranks, but it doesn’t look like they’re going to stop there with Notre Dame topping their wish list.
The college football landscape underwent another systemic transformation this week as USC and UCLA took steps to join the Big Ten.
Pac-12 forces from one of the nation’s largest media markets are making a jump from its traditional conference partners to capitalize on the financial strength of the Big Ten.
The move would likely signal the death of Pac-12 and push college football closer to a mega-conference setting that puts the SEC’s footprint in exchange for coast-to-coast Big Ten membership.
Naturally, there has been speculation about which domino reorganization could fall next. It’s Notre Dame, says ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
Notre Dame is the Big Ten’s next big target after USC, UCLA . relegation
“A lot of talk about additional Pac-12 schools is probably on the Big Ten’s radar. They don’t rule it out, but the only school they want – the school they’ve always wanted – is Notre Dame,” Rittenberg tweeted. “This is where the energy will most likely be put.”
One of Rittenberg’s sources He suggested that the Irish might have to consider the option: “It’s really unsustainable to be independent now.”
With the consolidation of power in the two most influential conferences, it is difficult to imagine Notre Dame as an independent entity for much longer. They’ve already partnered with the ACC, but the growing Big Ten will provide more money and opportunities that will be hard to turn down.
The rivalry between USC and Notre Dame can only help attract the Irish.
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