I hear this assumption very often and always assume it is true. But we all know that when BYU was independent, it still collaborated academically with other schools. Is there anything that precludes Stanford from collaborating with UCLA after UCLA is in the big 10? Or can Berkeley not collaborate with Harvard because Harvard isn’t in the PAC?

I don’t know why Washington and Oregon wouldn’t pursue the best opportunities both financial and athletic ANYWHERE they can be found in favor of an academic alliance that exists regardless of sports affiliation.

I’m sure I’m missing something. I’m not an academic. So, what am I missing?