Iowa athletic director Gary Barta reacts to Big Ten additions of USC, UCLA

It’s been tough to find a negative opinion from Big Ten schools about the additions of USC and UCLA. Iowa athletic director Gary Barta, like many across the league, shared his excitement about bringing in the two programs.

Barta spoke at a press conference Friday and said he was looking forward to the Trojans and Bruins joining the league. The two schools are set to join the league in 2024, the Big Ten announced last week.

“I’m very excited about the addition (of USC, UCLA),” Barta told reporters, via The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman.

But even as the league moves to 16 members by 2024, questions and rumors are still circulating about further expansion, specifically surrounding Notre Dame. Barta confirmed the conference isn’t necessarily looking to keep growing, but added commissioner Kevin Warren is still answering the phone.

“At this point, the Big Ten is not seeking members,” Barta said, via Dochterman. “I know (the commissioner is) taking calls.”

Wisconsin legend Barry Alvarez is fired up about the addition of USC, UCLA to the Big Ten

Barry Alvarez knows a thing or two about success in the Big Ten. The longtime Wisconsin coach and athletic director won three Big Ten titles before moving upstairs to become the Badgers’ AD.

That’s why his excitement about the Big Ten’s additions of USC and UCLA is notable.

Alvarez appeared on SiriusXM College with Pete Pistone and Ben Hartsock to discuss the Big Ten’s huge additions as conference realignment gets rolling once again. Starting in 2024, the Big Ten will be at 16 teams stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific — and Alvarez made sure to shout out commissioner Kevin Warren for pulling off such a seismic move.

“We’re progressing. College athletics is progressing,” Alvarez said. “I give our commissioner a lot of credit for moving ahead and making that decision and moving forward with that. I think it’s really good for our league and the future of our league.”