What Conference Is USC Football In? Big Ten Details

By Sarah Miller · December 8, 2035

The University of Southern California (USC) football team competes in the Big Ten Conference as a member institution starting in the 2024 season, transitioning from the Pac-12 Conference after more than a century of affiliation.

USC Football's Conference Transition: From Pac-12 to Big Ten

Beginning in the 2024 college football season, USC officially joined the Big Ten Conference, marking one of the most significant realignments in NCAA history. This move ended USC's long-standing membership in the Pac-12, where the Trojans had competed since 1922. The shift is part of a broader realignment trend driven by media rights, national exposure, and financial incentives.

Why Did USC Move to the Big Ten?

National Media Exposure: The Big Ten has secured a landmark $7 billion media rights deal with Fox, CBS, and NBC, ensuring greater television visibility.
Financial Growth: USC gains access to significantly higher conference revenue distributions.
Geographic Expansion Strategy: The Big Ten aims to grow its national footprint, adding USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington to strengthen its West Coast presence.
Competitive Scheduling: USC will face traditional power programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Iowa on a regular basis.

Historical Conference Affiliations of USC Football

USC has a rich history of conference membership, evolving alongside the growth of college athletics. Below is a timeline of USC’s primary conference affiliations in football.

Years	Conference	Notable Achievements
1922–2024	Pac-12 (and predecessors: PCC, AAWU)	13 conference titles, 7 national championships
1918–1921	Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference	Early regional competition
1906–1917	Independent	Established program identity
2024–present	Big Ten Conference	New era begins with high expectations

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table highlights USC's transition from independence to regional alignment and now to a national conference brand. The move to the Big Ten represents a strategic pivot toward increased revenue and exposure, despite historical ties to the Pac-12.

What This Means for USC Football Competitiveness

Joining the Big Ten places USC in a highly competitive Power Five environment with elite programs. While the physical distance from other members poses logistical challenges, the benefits outweigh them in the modern media-driven landscape.

Key Impacts of the Conference Change

Scheduling Challenges: Increased travel demands, especially for away games in the Midwest.
Rivalries: Traditional matchups with Stanford, Cal, and Arizona may become less frequent.
Recruiting: National spotlight may help attract top-tier talent across the U.S.
Bowl and Playoff Access: Big Ten teams historically receive favorable access to New Year's Six bowls and College Football Playoff berths.

Common Questions About USC Football's Conference

What conference is USC football in for the 2025 season?

As of the 2025 season, USC football competes in the Big Ten Conference, continuing its membership following the 2024 transition from the Pac-12.

When did USC join the Big Ten Conference?

USC officially joined the Big Ten Conference on August 2, 2024, along with UCLA, becoming the first West Coast members of the conference.

Why did USC leave the Pac-12?

USC left the Pac-12 due to financial disparities in media rights deals, lack of national TV exposure, and the opportunity to join a stronger revenue-generating conference with broader reach.

Is USC still playing Pac-12 teams after the move?

Yes, USC maintains some non-conference matchups with former Pac-12 schools, but these are scheduled independently and may not occur annually.

How does the Big Ten benefit USC football?

The Big Ten offers USC higher revenue shares, enhanced national broadcasting through networks like NBC and CBS, and elevated competition that boosts playoff chances and recruiting appeal.