What 5 schools would USC football kick out of the Big Ten, if given the option?

The Big Ten has emerged as college football’s premier mega-conference after adding USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington.

The 18-member conference will kick off this fall and undoubtedly continue to reshape the landscape of collegiate sports. Conversely, many fans believe the Big Ten is too large. There are valid arguments that the Big Ten features some schools that really belong in the Group Four conferences.

We agree that the Big Ten does not feature 18 college football programs worthy of the conference’s status. Thus, we’re speculating what schools would get the boot if USC were charged with downsizing. But to start, there’s a few opponents the Trojans would keep around.

Who USC would NOT kick out of the Big Ten

Many fans might assume the Trojans would oust UCLA, Oregon, and Washington if given the choice. However, we disagree because all three opponents are the most convenient for USC travel-wise.

Joining a conference rooted in the Central and Eastern portions of the country means USC will undertake some intense travel for games. Thus, it makes little sense to kick out the regionally aligned opposition. The Trojans have well-established rivalries with all their fellow former Pac-12 members, and rivalries are a big part of what makes college football spectacular.

Nevertheless, if given the option, we have identified five current Big Ten schools we think USC would kick out.