Sources: Oregon and Washington Expected to Apply for Big Ten Membership ‘in Short Order’

After news broke on Friday morning that Oregon and Washington may remain in the Pac-12, it appears that the two schools are once again on the brink of leaving for the Big Ten.

Oregon and Washington have not yet formally applied for Big Ten membership, which is a requirement to be formally accepted by the conference. Both of those things are expected to occur “in short order” sources told Sports Illustrated‘s Pat Forde.

Forde’s report comes on the heels of ESPN’s Pete Thamel reporting that the Big Ten is expected to move ahead with formal offer letters for Oregon and Washington. A vote is expected to take place later today to formalize admission, barring any last-minute snags, per Thamel.

Oregon and Washington are not the only schools who could leave the Pac-12. Arizona has been in talks with the Big 12 over the last couple days, but have not yet finalized an agreement to jump ship.

Given the impending departure of Washington and Oregon, Arizona could be next to leave.

With the college football season just weeks away, conference realignment continues to be the dominant story in the sport, as the fabric of the college game is nearing an end point unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.