The Big Ten football conference just got bigger

Why it matters: The new free-for-all format means the two teams with the best records at season's end will earn a ticket to the Big Ten Championship game on Dec. 7.

Driving the news: USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon are the new kids this year.

• Their West Coast inclusion makes the traditionally Midwestern conference a bit more coastal, much like when the Big Ten expanded to add Maryland and Rutgers in 2014.

Zoom in: This is head coach Bret Bielema's fourth season with the Fighting Illini. He has a career 115–77 record, but last year the team finished 3-6 in the conference.

• Northwestern coach David Braun is in his second season, taking the helm from former coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired after former players filed lawsuits against the university.
• The Wildcats ended last season 5-4 in the Big 10.

What they're saying: During this week's Media Days in Indianapolis, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said the expansion is happening "during the most transformative period in college sports."

• "These AAU member institutions are leaders in scholarship, innovation, scientific advancements and athletic excellence," Petitti said. "On the football field, they've combined for 10 Heisman Trophies, 73 college football Hall of Famers, 41 Rose Bowl championships and 173 first-round NFL draft picks, including six just this year."

Flashback: Despite its name, the Big Ten hasn't had 10 teams since the Bush-Quayle era.

• Penn State joined the conference as the 11th team in 1990.

What's next: The 2024 season kicks off Aug. 29 when Rutgers, Minnesota and Illinois take on non-conference teams.