Oregon and Big Ten are reportedly talking. Where does Utah stand?
If more teams leave the Pac-12, Utah could land in the Big 12, per a report by the Action Network.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Oregon Ducks safety Jamal Hill (19) chases Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18), in PAC-12 action between the Utah Utes and the Oregon Ducks. At Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.
The University of Utah has already lost two Pac-12 opponents in UCLA and USC. Now it appears the Utes could lose another.
The University of Oregon engaged in preliminary discussions with the Big Ten brass to see if the Ducks are compatible with the conference, per a report Monday by the Action Network.
The Action Network also reported that if Oregon and others leave the Pac-12, the Big 12 will look to scoop up some of the leftovers, including Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado.
In July, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah was “tethered together” with all the other Pac-12 schools, including Oregon. But the recently reported discussions between the Ducks and Big Ten could potentially put a wrench into that thinking.
Several reports have indicated that the Big Ten recently sealed a media rights deal worth $7 billion. The deal could be worth up to $10 billion if more schools join the conference, per reports.
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Alex is an expat from Los Angeles who started his journalism career in 2013 after attempting, and failing, to become the next great rock star. He most recently covered local sports in Chico.