JD PicKell: What becomes of the Pac-12 now, Oregon holds key

On3’s JD PicKell discussed what the Pac-12’s next move should be following the reported exodus of conference powerhouses UCLA and USC, and he called for Oregon to step up to the plate as the head of the table in the conference moving forward, or make a similar move to their soon-to-be former conference counterparts.

“This was a conversation we had about the Big-12 around a year ago this time, but what happens to the rest of those programs?” PicKell asked. “In earnest, I don’t know. Nobody knows right now, but I think you go into sink or swim mode for the rest of those [Pac-12] programs because ultimately, what other brand is paying the bills in the Pac 12 if you don’t have USC or UCLA?

“Stanford? Maybe Oregon? I would buy that Nike money. … And if you’re Oregon, you’re looking behind you and saying, ‘we got Cal, Oregon State, Washington State, those are the schools that are supposed to be in the boat with me.’ Do you not just cut ties and look for greener pastures yourself?”

Now that region doesn’t play a part in conference alignment in 2022, Oregon cutting ties with the Pac-12 and joining the ACC could be a life-saver for the stagnant league.

The SEC, Big-12 and Big Ten have already made their moves for the upcoming seasons. If anything were to happen to the conference, the Ducks could find themselves stuck in a situation they can’t get themselves out of if they don’t move soon enough.

“The other option here, is you’ve got to go on offense if you are the Pac-12,” PicKell continued. “You have got to start going shopping to try and snag a Boise State or someone that would be a brand that maybe you could buy-low sell-high kind of thing.”

The addition of teams like the Broncos, Hawaii, Fresno State or any other successful mid-major team would simply add bodies to the pile of Pac-12 teams that PicKell believes isn’t carrying their weight.

Instead, the conference should look toward bringing other Power Five conference teams like Iowa, Nebraska or Texas Tech – or even Notre Dame – could beef up the division and provide the Ducks and other top teams in the conference immediate competition following the Trojans and Bruins’ respective exits.