INDIANAPOLIS, IN — As the 2024-25 college football season approaches, the landscape of the Big Ten looks dramatically different with the addition of four new teams from the West Coast. The conference, now coast-to-coast, has become a juggernaut, featuring 18 teams for the first time in its storied history. This expansion has raised questions about the future of college football, with some experts predicting the formation of super conferences.
Reflecting on the changes, CBS Sports play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler shared his thoughts on the evolution of the Big Ten Conference, stating, “If you would have asked me back when I started in this business and the Big Ten was ten teams, if I ever thought there was going to be 18, I would have said you’re crazy. And you know, the way it’s going, I think there’s a possibility that we’ll have three super conferences at some point. But I would have never imagined that doing this for 40 years, I would be coast to coast in the same network—from the East Coast to the West Coast in the Big Ten.“
Adding teams like UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington has reshaped the conference geographically and competitively. “I think it’s a great move by the Big Ten [Conference]. Obviously, I feel bad for the Pac-12 because I hate to see conferences with so much tradition go away, but it’s a different kind of football now. Everyone’s getting muddled together, and just because you have a big name like USC or UCLA, you still have to live up to that name. It’s going to be different, but the power in this conference is pretty special.“
One of the most strategic aspects of the Big Ten’s expansion is its presence in the number one and two media markets—Los Angeles and New York. The commentator acknowledged the importance of this move, noting, “How important was it for the Big Ten to be in the number one market as well as the number two market? Adding UCLA and USC was a brilliant move. It puts the conference in a position of strength across the country, but it also means more travel and different styles of football to adjust to.“
The Big Ten’s newfound breadth, from traditional powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan in the Midwest to the West Coast’s dynamic teams, has created a conference unlike any other. For some veterans of the sport, this expansion has brought back memories of the past. “When Gary [Danielson] and I first started at ESPN, our package was the Big Ten. So, it’s kind of back to the future for us. I’ve been to every Power Five stadium except Notre Dame, so while people are excited about new cities and stadiums, I’ve seen them all. But I’m looking forward to a little more traveling and getting back to the Big Ten route where I grew up in Minnesota.“
As the season begins, the focus shifts to which teams will dominate this supercharged Big Ten. Ohio State, with its stacked roster and talented newcomers from the transfer portal, is the heavy favorite. “Ohio State’s talent level is off the charts. Their quarterback situation looks solid, with [quarterback Will] Howard coming in from Kansas State. Even if he doesn’t have to be spectacular, the Buckeyes’ backfield and receivers are going to be phenomenal. Their defense is loaded with potential first-round draft picks. If I had to pick on paper, I’d say Ohio State.”
With the newer teams from the West Coast, the competition will be elevated a notch in conference play each week.
Oregon, in particular, has built a reputation for transforming transfer quarterbacks into stars and fielding a defense that rivals the best in the SEC. “Oregon’s going to have something to say about Ohio State’s dominance. [Head coach] Dan Lanning’s defense will be Big Ten quality, or SEC quality, whatever you want to call it.“
When asked for a dark horse candidate, Nassler paused before offering his take. “Well, Penn State shouldn’t be considered a dark horse, but their schedule is a little better this year. If they can start throwing the ball down the field instead of sideways, they could make some noise. Drew Allar showed flashes last year, but they need to air it out more.”
