It’s still shocking to think the Pac-12 is now the Pac-2. Still shocking to realize that USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon will be hitting shoulder pads with the likes of Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten. Many Pac-12 fans hate it, understandably. But this could be the best chance for a West Coast team to win a national championship for the first time since 2004.

Yes, Washington and Oregon each reached the College Football Playoff championship game, but they were blown out — the Huskies losing to Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan 34-13 in 2024 and the Ducks losing to Ohio State 42-20 in the first CFP final in 2015.

The last time a Pac-12 team won the national title was the 2004-05 season, when Pete Carroll led USC to a 55-19 win over Oklahoma in the BCS championship game.

Since then, no one west of the Mississippi has come close to winning the championship. SEC teams have won 13 titles, ACC teams have won three and Big Ten teams have won two.

The West’s best chance

Let’s be clear — the West’s best will have a much better chance of regaining national glory by getting into the mix with the second-most powerful conference in the nation, the Big Ten (SEC is No. 1).

USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon can now recruit players with the opportunity to be compete against Big Ten heavyweights Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin. No more being stuck out in the lonely West.

Just check out these great Big Ten games this upcoming season:

• USC vs Michigan, Sept 21
• Michigan vs Washington, Oct 5
• USC vs Penn State, Oct 12
• Oregon vs Ohio State, Oct 12

USC: The Trojans Reload

USC may have lost Caleb Williams to the NFL, but don’t think for a second that they’re rolling over. Lincoln Riley is a quarterback whisperer, and you can bet he’s got another gunslinger ready to take the reins. The Trojans are bringing their Hollywood flair and relentless ambition to the Midwest. They’ve got a deep roster of talent hungry to prove they can thrive without their former Heisman winner. USC’s defense, notorious for its aggressive play, is ready to make life miserable for Big Ten offenses. Midwest, meet West Coast swagger.

UCLA: The Silent Killers

UCLA isn’t just tagging along for the ride—they’re here to carve out their own legacy. Chip Kelly’s squad has been quietly building a formidable team, one that’s ready to deliver some serious upsets. Their offense is a well-oiled machine, and their defense is tougher than a two-dollar steak. Forget the stereotype of a “soft” West Coast team; these Bruins are battle-hardened and ready to take on anyone. If you think a trip to Pasadena is a vacation, you’re in for a rude awakening.

Washington: The Huskies on the Hunt

Washington’s arrival in the Big Ten is a game-changer. The Huskies, with their ferocious defense and strategic acumen, are ready to hunt down every team in their path. They’ve been to the College Football Playoff before and are hungry to get back. Travel distance be damned, Washington’s bringing an intensity that’s bound to make every matchup a grind. They’re ready to show that Pacific Northwest football is as tough and gritty as it gets. Big Ten offensive lines better be ready for a war in the trenches.

Oregon: The Ducks on the Attack

Oregon isn’t just bringing their flashy uniforms to the Big Ten—they’re bringing a high-octane offense that’s ready to run circles around traditional defenses. The Ducks play fast, they play hard, and they play to win. Their innovative play-calling and relentless pace are going to force Big Ten teams to rethink their strategies. Oregon’s defense, often underrated, is ready to prove it can stand toe-to-toe with the best. Expect the Ducks to light up scoreboards and leave defenses gasping for air.

Big Ten: Welcome to the Jungle

The Big Ten thought it had its hands full with Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State duking it out. Now they’ve got four new contenders, each with something to prove. This isn’t just an expansion; it’s an invasion. The conference is about to become a melting pot of playing styles, with traditional power football clashing against innovative West Coast offenses. The stakes are higher, the games tougher, and every week will feel like a playoff.

The New Reality

This season is poised to be one of the most exciting in college football history. USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon aren’t just joining the Big Ten; they’re looking to dominate. The old guard better brace themselves because these teams are bringing a new level of competition and excitement. Rivalries will be forged, legends will be born, and the Big Ten will never be the same. Get ready for a season of high-stakes football where every game is a battle and every week is a spectacle. The Big Ten’s new era starts now, and it’s going to be wild.