UCLA Bruins Prepare for Big Ten Move: Impact on NCAA Season and Conference Realignment
UCLA Bruins join Big Ten Conference, Pac-12 faces major changes in 2024
Your UCLA Bruins are on the cusp of their final NCAA season in the Pac-12, with only a few months left before they embark on a significant journey. This move comes as part of a grand reshuffling, poised to reshape the landscape of college sports. The impending shift will leave the current Pac-12 facing an uncertain fate, possibly morphing into a “Pac-4.”
In 2024, the Blue and Gold will align with the realigned Big Ten, a conference predominantly composed of Midwest-based teams. This reconfiguration will not only welcome UCLA but also absorb fellow Pac-12 powerhouses USC, Oregon, and Washington. The future conference’s name remains a mystery, eagerly awaited as it reflects the union of these teams.
CQMiles from Crimson Quarry, a reputable voice via SB Nation, envisions a dynamic change sparked by UCLA’s inclusion in the Big Ten. The Bruins, who have consistently excelled in recent NCAA Tournaments, securing six out of seven women’s March Madness appearances, are poised to bring their competitive spirit to their new conference. Last season, they secured a tied fourth place in the Pac-12, boasting an impressive 27-10 overall record, complemented by an 11-7 inter-conference performance. Although their journey was halted by a 59-43 semi-blowout against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Sweet Sixteen, the Bruins showcased their prowess.
The team’s leader, Charisma Osborne, stands at 5’9″ and has returned to guide the Bruins as a grad student. In the face of the loss, Osborne stood tall, registering team-high figures of 14 points and seven rebounds. Notably, she also contributed two crucial assists, revealing her all-around capabilities.
The anticipation surrounding UCLA’s transition to the Big Ten, coupled with the broader Pac-12 realignment, has sent ripples through the college sports scene. As the final NCAA season in the Pac-12 approaches, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the unfolding narrative that promises to reshape the dynamics of collegiate athletics.