The Massive Ten goes bi-coastal in 2024 as Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington be part of the league following the Pac-12’s demise. Enlargement comes after the convention produced its first nationwide champion (Michigan) for the reason that 2014 season, and the 4 new arrivals will solely add problem to what’s already a brutal convention.
Together with the addition of the West Coast bloc, the Massive Ten is eradicating divisions and granting league championship recreation entry to the highest two groups within the standings. Whereas all 4 newbies boast robust soccer histories, their paths to the highest of what’s now an 18-team tremendous convention will probably be treacherous.
Oregon is thought to be a plug-and-play league title contender, however there’s loads of intrigue surrounding the opposite three groups coming into the 2024 season as properly. UCLA and Washington are each led by first-year coaches, whereas USC is starting a brand new period at defensive coordinator and quarterback following a disappointing season of regression.
The vary of outcomes is huge for the Massive Ten newcomers as they’ll crisscross the nation taking part in unfamiliar foes as much as three time zones away. Because the season approaches, this is a have a look at the best- and worst-case eventualities for the league’s splashy additions.
Oregon
Greatest case: Nationwide champions. With head coach Dan Lanning coming into Yr 3 and the return of high quality coordinators Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi, the Geese have the inspiration to construct off a 12-2 season that ended with a dominant Fiesta Bowl victory. Bo Nix is gone, however former UCF and Oklahoma star Dillon Gabriel is an ideal match at quarterback. His receiver room is stacked, which ought to maintain the Geese from lacking a beat after rating No. 2 nationally in whole offense final season. Even when Oregon falters at residence towards Ohio State or at Michigan, the schedule is pleasant sufficient to maintain it in competition for a playoff bid. From there, every part relies on matchups and well being. A nationwide title is squarely inside attain for a staff that ranked No. 3 in Dennis Dodd’s post-spring high 25.
Worse case: 9-3, however lacking the CFP. It is tough to think about a situation through which Oregon loses greater than three video games in the course of the common season. Nonetheless, if these three losses got here towards Ohio State, at Michigan and at Wisconsin, the Geese can be left with out a lot of a case for CFP inclusion. In that situation, the Geese’ resume can be void of something resembling a marquee victory, and their CFP candidacy can be murky at greatest. There will probably be 9-3 groups from the Massive Ten and SEC that make the playoff within the 12-team period, however with out a true marquee nonconference recreation — a house contest towards Boise State does not fairly qualify — Oregon might have to complete 10-2 or higher to get on this yr. Whereas 9-3 is hardly a catastrophe for a program that’s transitioning into the Massive Ten, ending with out a massive victory is a sensible worst-case situation.
UCLA
Greatest case: Merely reaching a bowl recreation would mark an enormous win for brand new head coach DeShaun Foster as he navigates the problem of a brutal schedule as a first-time head coach. Transferring to the Massive Ten is hard sufficient, however that is only the start for the Bruins, who start their season on the street towards Hawaii. Along with flying over the Pacific to play the Rainbow Warriors, UCLA additionally travels to LSU and hosts Fresno State in nonconference play. There is not a single layup on this slate. If Foster can coax six victories out of this squad, it will be an encouraging begin to his tenure and lay a strong basis for UCLA’s life within the Massive Ten.
Worse case: UCLA began the Chip Kelly period with a 3-9 mark in 2018, and it is easy to see the 2024 Bruins posting the same report. The roster isn’t deep or gifted sufficient to deal with the nation’s high groups. A 3-week stretch at LSU, vs. Oregon and at Penn State is among the hardest runs confronted by any staff within the nation in 2024. It is going to be crucial for UCLA to remain wholesome and assured sufficient popping out of that stretch to beat Minnesota and Rutgers in mid-October. If the Bruins fall in these video games, they could possibly be in for an extended November. Absolutely the worst-case situation may see the Bruins sitting at 2-8 coming into residence tilts towards USC and Fresno State to shut the season and are shredded by these high-flying offenses in entrance of sparse crowds.
USC
Greatest case: If USC beats two of the next 4 groups: LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Notre Dame, then it is believable that it may steal one of many ultimate spots within the 12-team CFP. The Trojans have an important alternative to make an early assertion as they open towards LSU in Las Vegas earlier than taking part in at Michigan of their third recreation. Wins in these two contests would vault the Trojans squarely into the CFP image and Massive Ten title dialog. Nonetheless, that will not occur with out marked defensive enchancment as D’Anton Lynn steps in as coordinator following Alex Grinch’s dismissal.
Worse case: As with UCLA, there are not any assured wins on this schedule, and that introduces the doomsday situation of USC failing to make a bowl. With star quarterback Caleb Williams gone, the Trojans could battle to seek out an offensive identification at a time when their protection is in flux. Whereas Lincoln Riley is among the nation’s foremost quarterback gurus, there’ll inevitably be some drop-off after changing a generational expertise below heart. Miller Moss shined at quarterback within the Vacation Bowl, however taking part in LSU and Michigan away from residence in two of the primary three video games marks a troublesome introduction to his stint because the full-time starter. An 0-2 mark in these contests would put USC’s CFP hopes on life help earlier than the tip of September and ratchet up the warmth on Riley. A USC staff with wounded confidence navigating seven consecutive video games — together with 4 street contests — towards Massive Ten opposition may result in a loss of life spiral.
Washington
Greatest case: With so many new faces on the roster, a 9-3 end amid the transition to teach Jedd Fisch and the Massive Ten can be trigger for celebration. The nonconference schedule is mild and will assist Fisch get off to a 3-0 begin. The opening to league play can be gentle (vs. Northwestern, at Rutgers). It is potential the Huskies could possibly be 5-0 coming into an Oct. 5 nationwide title rematch with Michigan. Contemplating that recreation is at residence and that the Wolverines are additionally present process huge modifications, it is no less than conceivable that Washington may precise revenge and begin 6-0. Nonetheless, the again half of the schedule options street video games towards Iowa, Penn State and Oregon.
Worse case: Lacking a bowl recreation is feasible. A full-on scrape-and-rebuild paired with the Massive Ten transition may spell hassle. Whereas Northwestern and Rutgers could seem like a gentle opening to league play, each applications are able to beating a Huskies staff that will probably be getting its bearings all through September. In principle, the acquisition of Mississippi State switch quarterback Will Rogers ought to give the offense a excessive flooring. However he’ll be taking part in behind an unproven offensive line that’s sorely missing in high-end expertise and depth. The Huskies could also be operating on fumes and counting on freshmen in key spots by the point November arrives.