Big Ten Expansion: Who's Joining? The Big Ten Conference has grown significantly in recent years through strategic expansions. Oregon and Washington officially joined in 2024, bringing the total to 18 members after USC and UCLA's earlier addition.

Recent Additions

These West Coast powerhouses strengthened the conference's footprint.

  • USC and UCLA (joined 2024) : Announced in 2022, they moved from the Pac-12, boosting media rights and national reach.
  • Oregon Ducks : Known for football prowess and Nike ties, fully integrated by August 2024.
  • Washington Huskies : Recent national champions, adding Pacific Northwest rivalry depth.

This shift delivered a major blow to the Pac-12, which saw Arizona, Utah, and Arizona State head to the Big 12.

Latest Rumors (as of 2026)

Speculation swirls around further growth to 20 teams, fueled by athletic directors like Maryland's James Smith. No official announcements yet, but forums buzz with possibilities.

"A Big 10 athletic director just said that the conference will add two teams and jump to 20 teams... Some are suggesting that the two teams would be Utah and Kansas."

  • Utah Utes : Strong football program; rumors tie them to Big Ten after Big 12 moves.
  • Kansas Jayhawks : Basketball powerhouse with improving football, eyed for Midwest fit.
  • Other whispers: Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, or even Miami/UNC from ACC realignment talks.

Reddit's CFB community debates wildly, likening it to "The Bachelor" with schools vying for invites—Akron's AD joked they "didn't even unzip the file."

Trending Context

As of February 2026, Big Ten eyes super-conference status amid NIL deals and playoff expansion talks (even a 24-team CFP floated). Past interest came from 10 schools in 2022, but only elites made the cut. Realignment feels endless, with SEC poaching ACC like UNC/FSU speculated next.

TL;DR : Core new members are USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington since 2024—no confirmed additions beyond that yet, but Utah/Kansas rumors heat up for a potential 20-team leap.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.