USC and UCLA Set to Join Big Ten Conference in 2024 as Harbaugh’s Suspension is Denied
In an exciting development for college sports fans, the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are slated to join the Big Ten Conference in 2024. This move will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of Big Ten football and basketball, as the conference expands to include these prestigious California universities.
The decision to invite USC and UCLA into the Big Ten Conference signals a significant shift in the college sports world. This move will enhance the conference’s national profile and open up new opportunities for intercollegiate competition. Fans can expect exhilarating matchups between traditional Big Ten powerhouses and the talented teams from the West Coast.
However, not all news is positive for the Big Ten. Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh had hoped to serve a four-game suspension for NCAA infractions this season. Unfortunately for Harbaugh, the NCAA committee denied his agreement with the infractions committee, keeping him on the sideline for the current season. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the NCAA in effectively managing and resolving infractions cases. It remains to be seen whether Harbaugh will still be at Michigan when the potential penalty is finally issued in 2024 or if he will seek a fresh start in the NFL, evading the sanctions altogether.
Shifting our focus to UCLA, the Bruins enter the 2023 season following their best performance in years. Under the guidance of head coach Chip Kelly, UCLA won an impressive nine games and narrowly missed out on a ten-win season. As they gear up for the upcoming season, the Bruins face the task of replacing key players, including quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet. However, Coach Kelly has already laid the groundwork for success, securing highly touted quarterback Dante Moore and acquiring Carson Steele via the transfer portal. Steele’s impressive statistics from his time at Ball State bode well for UCLA’s offensive potential. While defensive improvements are necessary, the Bruins have the opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and achieve another successful campaign before their entry into the Big Ten in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Iowa Hawkeyes continue to demonstrate their ability to win games, despite facing challenges on the offensive front. In a bid to address these concerns, head coach Kirk Ferentz has turned to the transfer portal, bringing in quarterback Cade McNamara from Michigan, as well as tight end Erick All and wide receiver Kaleb Burton from Michigan and Ohio State, respectively. With the entire offensive line, running back Kalen Johnson, and tight end Luke Lachey returning, the Hawkeyes possess the potential for a formidable offense. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, however, faces pressure to deliver, as his job security hinges on the team scoring 325 points this season. On the defensive side, Iowa will need to adjust following the departure of key players such as Jack Campbell, Lukas Van Ness, Riley Moss, and Kevon Merriweather, all of whom were selected in the first round of the NFL draft.
In other news, Anthony Richardson has been named the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, adding further excitement to the upcoming NFL season. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has shown promise in their preseason games, with Kenny Pickett and George Pickens impressing fans and generating cautious optimism.
As football and basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, the integration of USC and UCLA into the Big Ten Conference in 2024 promises to bring a new level of competition and excitement. With the conference expanding its reach from New Jersey to California, fans can expect an unforgettable era of intercollegiate sports.
