Phil Knight is reportedly keeping the SEC in play for Oregon

Geography? What does that mean?

Oregon is reportedly considering the SEC, not just the Big Ten.

Portland-based Oregon and Pac-12 insider John Canzano, on his Substack, reports Phil Knight wants to keep his options open and shoot for the moon, which is exactly what one would expect from “Shoe Dog,” the creator of the Nike empire:

The geography stinks. The discount would be steep. But Phil Knight apparently wants the University of Oregon to be part of the Big Ten Conference.

Or even, the SEC.

Both options are being explored by the Ducks with Knight’s backing, per UO sources. That’s apparently one of the possible paths for Oregon. Another possible outcome would be the Ducks taking a tent pole position in a blended, ESPN-backed version of the Pac-12 and Big 12/ACC.

We live in an amazing news cycle and a crazy rumor mill in college sports realignment. What’s going to be whispered next behind the scenes? Stay tuned.