University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines and Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics Damon Evans released the following statement welcoming UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference:
"The University of Maryland supports the Big Ten Conference's announcement of the admission of UCLA and USC to the conference. UCLA and USC have rich academic and athletic histories that align with our Big Ten colleagues. Among the nation's leading research institutions as part of the Association of American Universities (AAU), they share higher education priorities in providing well-rounded student-athlete experiences. Their focus on student-athlete welfare and developing and celebrating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion align with the values of the Big Ten. UCLA and USC have championship pedigrees in athletics and we are excited to compete against the Bruins and Trojans. The University of Maryland welcomes UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference."