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Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan Mulling Big Ten Exit
Top football programs could form new conference with Notre Dame or Oregon
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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A recent discussion on the on3.com forums has raised the possibility of Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan leaving the Big Ten conference due to the disproportionate funding these top football programs provide to the rest of the conference. The economics of college football alone are seen as a compelling reason for these powerhouse schools to potentially form a new conference with the addition of a program like Notre Dame or Oregon.
Why it matters
The departure of Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan would be a seismic shift in college sports, potentially leading to the breakup of the current Big Ten conference structure. This could have major implications for other sports like wrestling, which relies heavily on the Big Ten championships and allocations.
The details
According to the forum discussion, the three schools are the primary financial drivers of the Big Ten, providing a disproportionate amount of the conference's revenue, especially from football. With the potential to earn even more by forming a new superconference, the schools are reportedly considering this option, which could include adding a high-profile program like Notre Dame or Oregon.
- The discussion took place on March 1, 2026 on the on3.com forums.
The players
Penn State
A prominent Big Ten university with a successful football program that is reportedly considering leaving the conference.
Ohio State
Another top Big Ten football program that is reportedly considering leaving the conference with Penn State and Michigan.
Michigan
The third Big Ten powerhouse that is reportedly considering leaving the conference with Penn State and Ohio State.
Notre Dame
A potential addition to a new conference formed by Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan if they were to leave the Big Ten.
Oregon
Another potential addition to a new conference formed by Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan if they were to leave the Big Ten.
What they’re saying
“I think it's pretty clear that the Big Ten and the SEC have separated themselves.”
— USC coach (on3.com)
What’s next
The schools involved have not made any official announcements about leaving the Big Ten, and it remains to be seen if these discussions will lead to concrete action.
The takeaway
The potential departure of Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan from the Big Ten would be a seismic shift in college sports, with major implications for the conference's other programs, especially in non-revenue sports like wrestling. The financial incentives for the top football programs to form a new superconference are significant, but the impact on the broader collegiate athletics landscape is uncertain.
