Which football conference are the USC in? Looking at Trojans' current home after conference realignment

USC is one of the most storied programs in the world of college football. The Trojans have been a powerhouse in the landscape since the very beginning and have maintained the status over time. The program boasts an impressive resume of accolades and has produced many top stars.

The university started its football history as an independent and has aligned with a couple of conferences over time. The Trojans currently competes in the Big Ten after completing a realignment move to the conference in August 2024 alongside three other former Pac-12 schools.

The Big Ten unanimously voted for the acceptance of USC, alongside its crosstown rival UCLA, in June, marking the end of its association with Pac-12 and its preceding conferences. The exit of the Trojan immediately placed the conference into chaos, resulting to an implosion.

"Over the past three years, we have worked hard to ground our university decisions in what is best for our students," President Carol L. Folt said. "With the Big Ten, we are joining a storied conference that shares our commitment to academic excellence and athletic competitiveness.

“We are positioning USC and our student-athletes for long-term success and stability amidst the rapidly evolving sports media and collegiate athletics landscapes. We are delighted to begin this new chapter in 2024."

The perception of the move to Big Ten in Los Angeles

The decision of USC to depart the Pac-12 was well received within the university community and across the city of Los Angeles despite its 100-year association with the conference. The move was perceived as the best for the school following Texas and Oklahoma’s move to the SEC.

At the time, it was clear that the Pac-12 could no longer compete with the top two conferences in college football, the SEC and the Big Ten. Moving to one of this conference was the next line of action for the Trojans to maintain a competitive balance with the landscape.

"Ultimately, the Big Ten is the best home for USC and Trojan athletics as we move into the new world of collegiate sports," Athletic Director Mike Bohn said. "We are excited that our values align with the league's member institutions.

"We also will benefit from the stability and strength of the conference; the athletic caliber of Big Ten institutions; the increased visibility, exposure, and resources the conference will bring our student-athletes and programs; and the ability to expand engagement with our passionate alumni nationwide."

USC conference affiliation history

Independent (1888–1921)

Pac-12 Conference (1922–2023)

- Pacific Coast Conference (1922–1958)

- Athletic Association of Western Universities (1959–1967)

- Pacific-8 Conference (1968–1977)

- Pacific-10 Conference (1978–2010)

- Pac-12 Conference (2011–2023)

Big Ten Conference (2024–present)