The world of college sports, specifically college football, was seemingly shifted forever on Thursday when USC and UCLA announced they were leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. The move signaled to the rest of the college sports world that we’re about to see the age of mega-conferences begin forming and these seismic moves are just getting started.
Naturally, as happens anytime there is a massive conference realignment, all eyes turn to Notre Dame to see if the longtime independent will finally join a conference for football. It certainly sounds like if it was ever going to happen, that time might finally be near.
According to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd, both Washington and Oregon have been told by the Big Ten that the conference is waiting for an answer from Notre Dame about membership before it moves forward expanding to any other schools.
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
Given that everyone is talking about how this all ends with two mega-conferences, the Big Ten and the SEC (or whatever they would be called), it would appear that Notre Dame will have to consider its next step carefully. While the school revels in its independance and the financial windfalls that come with that, the direction of the sport could pass them by if they’re not careful.
There’s still so much more to unpack about where this all shakes out. In the meantime, however, the rumors and reports about Notre Dame’s potential conference decision have the college football world talking.
Two things
1. I wonder if Big Ten is wanting Oregon and Notre Dame and only takes UW if ND doesn't come.
2. if I am the SEC I quickly add Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State. West Division becomes: Oregon, Utah, ASU, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, A&M, Missouri, Arkansas, LSU. https://t.co/PFQmbUO1G8
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) July 1, 2022
This could be the other Indiana-sized domino that falls for the seismic winds of change that have befallen on the NCAA. https://t.co/wPKyrEeJ31
— Kyle J. Andrews (@KyleJAndrews_) July 1, 2022
Big Ten would obviously take ND in a heartbeat. If that happens they’ll need to add another to even it up. So only take one of Oregon or Washington? Brutal! Will they show solidarity with one another like USC/UCLA and OU/UT? https://t.co/7AuEJqusxR pic.twitter.com/kRxjhiFIjw
— Ben Isaacs (see pinned tweet) (@tweetsfromben) July 1, 2022
This is why some folks last night that I talked to were kicking around the possibility of the ACC potentially poking around our West https://t.co/9F5DpwyXLD
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) July 1, 2022
Where have you gone, little leprechaun? Two conferences turn their lonely eyes to you. Woo, woo, woo. https://t.co/HvH2zjhNXQ
— chris carlson (@ccarlsononSU) July 1, 2022
We have an opportunity here for an all-time Summer Friday news dump.
Don’t blow it. https://t.co/YwQmQ8Z285
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) July 1, 2022
I’m sorry, waiting on a decision from Notre Dame? Is there an official offer out to Notre Dame? https://t.co/BEU71blxAM
— Hammer and Rails (@HammerAndRails) July 1, 2022
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.