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3 reasons an Oregon football realignment to Big Ten would be good

By Connor Muldowney

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks runs onto the field with his team prior to the start of the Pac-12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks runs onto the field with his team prior to the start of the Pac-12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OREGON – NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 24-10. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON – NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 24-10. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

1. Recruiting reach expands

Heading into the 2021 season, there are 86 players on Oregon football’s roster, walk-ons included, who are from out west — and I included Hawaii in this count. About 75 percent of the roster comes from out west and that’s fine and all, but talent-rich states like Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida remain relatively untapped by the Ducks.

And in Big Ten territory, the Ducks could utilize stomping grounds such as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Adding these to the recruiting reach will only improve talent.

Don’t get me wrong, Oregon is one of the most talented teams in college football, but when you expand your reach and add to the pool of prospects, you’re only going to get better. Imagine Oregon remaining a major contender in California, but also expanding to Michigan and Ohio where there are enough elite prospects to help the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State field decent teams yearly.

Plus, the Ducks could dip into New Jersey and Maryland, battling Maryland and Rutgers for top prospects on the East Coast.

A move to the Big Ten would draw kids who want to play in the Big Ten on the biggest stage while also getting an opportunity to experience a change of scenery.

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