Big Ten commissioner

At the inaugural Big Ten Conference Media Days, Commissioner Tony Petitti emphasized the league's focus on its current 18 teams and dismissed speculation about future expansion, stating, 'We're really comfortable where we are.' This marks the first expansion of the Big Ten in a decade, with USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington officially joining on August 2nd. The event featured promotional displays, including an inflatable Oregon Duck and mannequins in Big Ten jerseys, highlighting the new teams' integration. Coaches expressed excitement over potential new rivalries and the increased competitive strength of the conference. The Big Ten championship will remain at Lucas Oil Stadium until at least 2028, reinforcing the conference's stability. Petitti underscored the importance of academic fit among the new members and the league's commitment to enhancing its overall profile through strategic scheduling and media opportunities.