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Big Ten reportedly waiting on a decision from Notre Dame
The Big Ten is expanding to at least 16 teams starting in the 2024 season after the confirmed addition of UCLA and USC on Thursday. But hardly anyone in the college football industry expects this to be the last move the Big Ten makes regarding further expansion.
What other schools might be added is still open for discussion, but according to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, the conference is waiting on a decision from top-priority Notre Dame before accepting other teams into the league. Dodd also said realignment talks may slow over the Fourth of July holiday but quickly pick back up after that.
Sources: Oregon and Washington have been told by @bigten that it is standing pat for now. Waiting on a decision by Notre Dame.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 1, 2022
OSU athletic director Gene Smith added more fuel to the fire on Friday. Smith, a Notre Dame grad, said he always thought Notre Dame should be in a conference, and if that happens, he hopes they align with the Big Ten.
Darron Reed to pick LSU or OSU Monday
In less than 24 hours, Ohio State will find out if it has done enough to land four-star 2023 defensive lineman Darron Reed. Reed has set a commitment date for 2 p.m. Monday and previously told Eleven Warriors he is down to either LSU or the Buckeyes.
I will be committing tomorrow at 2pm est
— Darron Reed (@DarronReed45) July 3, 2022
While LSU has seemingly carved out a path to be the favorite for Reed heading into his decision date, this recruitment still could go either way. Reed, who can play either inside or outside at the next level, is considered the 228th-best prospect in 2023 and the 34th-best defensive lineman per 247Sports' composite rankings.
OSU has highest FPI odds to make CFP
There's going to be no shortage of preseason love for Ohio State this year in both predictions and watchlists. That's already started this week, as according to ESPN's FPI model, the Buckeyes have the highest chance of any team in the nation to make the College Football Playoff this season.
FPI gives OSU an 82.7 percent chance of making the postseason, followed by Alabama (79.5 percent), Georgia (75.1 percent) and Clemson (57.4 percent).
Preseason College Football Playoff Chances According To ESPN FPI pic.twitter.com/VnOhTvHIyy
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) July 3, 2022
ICYMI
How B1G Expansion Could Impact OSU
Griffin Strom breaks down how the addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten might impact OSU on the field, in recruiting and in other sports besides football.
Smith Addresses B1G Addition of USC, UCLA
OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith and President Kristiana Johnson reacted to the news of the Big Ten expanding in 2024.
Mathews Hopes to "win Natty" in OSU Career
Garrick Hodge recapped Jermaine Mathews' path to committing to Ohio State on Friday and what he hopes to accomplish at the next level.
