Oregon will continue to prioritize competing against Oregon State 'across all sports'
After months of speculation, Oregon made its move to the Big Ten official on Friday.
UO, as well as the University of Washington, have joined the conference, effective Aug. 2, 2024. With the additions of the Ducks and the Huskies, the Big Ten now boasts 18 members schools. UO and UW’s departure from the Pac-12 coincided with Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State bolting for the Big 12 on Friday.
With just four member schools remaining, the Pac-12 is no more. Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford, and Cal are now left to determine what their respective long-term futures will hold.
Amidst concerns from many fans that Oregon and Oregon State’s regional rivalry will evaporate, the UO administration voiced its intention to ensure that is not the case.
“In coming years, the UO will prioritize the long-held traditions, including competition across all sports with Oregon State University,” UO announced in a press release on Friday.
However, it’s unclear if that intention is mutual between the two schools.
“To be determined,” Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Friday.
Barnes made his frustrations with Oregon and Washington’s departure known and said he was ‘furious’ with the way things unfolded.
“The great history and tradition of this conference has been severely damaged. The best interest of the student-athlete hasn’t been served,” Barnes said. “Traveling to the Eastern seaboard multiple times a year is not in the best interest of student-athletes.
“I’m furious because it puts this university in harm’s way and our student-athletes in harm’s way. There’s some damage done that we’re going to have to mitigate.”
Oregon and Oregon State football are scheduled to square off at Autzen Stadium on Friday, Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. PT. Last season the No. 9-ranked Ducks raced out to a significant second-half lead before the Beavers closed the game with 21 unanswered points to capture a wild 38-34 win in Corvallis.
“Accepting membership into the Big Ten Conference is a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon to change the short and long-term trajectory of our university and athletics department,” UO AD Rob Mullens said in Friday’s press release. “The stability and exposure of joining the Big Ten is of great benefit to the University of Oregon, and we are grateful to the Big Ten presidents and chancellors for accepting our application to join the conference. We look forward to the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in this conference, which includes many of the best programs in the nation in every sport.”
