Pac-12 will 'explore all expansion options' after losing USC, UCLA

The Pac-12 is exploring new expansion options after losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, it announced Friday.

"The Pac-12 Board of Directors met this morning and authorized the conference to explore all expansion options," the statement read. "The 10 university presidents and chancellors remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes."

The statement comes one day after the Big Ten announced that the Trojans and Bruins will join the conference in 2024. The move gives the Big Ten a total of 16 teams.

No schools have been strongly linked to the Pac-12, which said Thursday it was "surprised and disappointed" with USC and UCLA's departure.

The Big 12 is welcoming four new teams in 2023 - BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF - ahead of Texas and Oklahoma's departure to the SEC after the 2024 season.