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The Big Ten Conference is expanding for the 2024 season with the addition of four new teams, further strengthening its position as one of the premier conferences in college football. Here’s a detailed look at the updated Big Ten membership and the Week 1 schedule for the 2024 season.
Big Ten Conference Expansion
New Additions for 2024:
- UCLA Bruins
- Previous Conference: Pac-12
- Overview: UCLA brings a strong football program and a rich athletic tradition to the Big Ten. The Bruins are known for their competitive teams and passionate fan base.
- USC Trojans
- Previous Conference: Pac-12
- Overview: USC adds significant strength to the Big Ten with its storied football history and national championships. The Trojans are a high-profile addition with a major impact on the conference.
- Oregon Ducks
- Previous Conference: Pac-12
- Overview: Known for their high-octane offense and innovative approach to football, Oregon’s inclusion will enhance the Big Ten’s competitive landscape.
- Washington Huskies
- Previous Conference: Pac-12
- Overview: Washington contributes a strong football program with recent success and a solid fan base, further bolstering the Big Ten’s strength.
Big Ten Teams for the 2024 Season
With the additions of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington, the Big Ten Confo now includes the following teams:
- East Division:
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Michigan Wolverines
- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Michigan State Spartans
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Maryland Terrapins
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Purdue Boilermakers
- West Division:
- Wisconsin Badgers
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Illinois Fighting Illini
- Northwestern Wildcats
- UCLA Bruins
- USC Trojans
- Oregon Ducks
- Washington Huskies
Big Ten 2024 Season Week 1 Schedule
The Week 1 schedule of the Big Ten season will feature a mix of exciting matchups, including conference games and non-confo contests. Here’s a look at some of the key games:
September 1, 2024:
- Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Overview: A high-profile non-conference matchup featuring two powerhouse programs. Ohio State looks to start the season strong against a traditional rival.
- Michigan vs. Colorado State
- Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
- Overview: Michigan opens its season with a home game against Colorado State, aiming to set the tone for the year.
September 2, 2024:
- USC vs. Hawaii
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
- Overview: USC’s debut in the Big Ten includes a non-conference game against Hawaii, showcasing their new confo affiliation.
- Oregon vs. Fresno State
- Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
- Overview: Oregon faces Fresno State in their first game as a Big Ten member, highlighting their transition to the new conference.
September 3, 2024:
- Washington vs. Idaho
- Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
- Overview: Washington’s first game of the season against Idaho, marking their debut in the Big Ten with a home game.
- Wisconsin vs. Western Kentucky
- Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
- Overview: Wisconsin takes on Western Kentucky to start their season, looking to build momentum for the year ahead.
September 4, 2024:
- Penn State vs. Ball State
- Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
- Overview: Penn State begins their season with a home game against Ball State, aiming to kick off the year with a solid performance.
- Iowa vs. UAB
- Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
- Overview: Iowa opens its season with a home contest against UAB, looking to set the tone for their campaign.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Confo’s expansion in 2024 brings significant changes, with UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington joining the league. This expansion adds depth and competitiveness to the conference. The Week 1 schedule for the 2024 season promises exciting matchups and a glimpse into how the new teams will integrate into the Big Ten. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season of college football with heightened rivalries and new opportunities for teams across the conference.
