Pac-12 crown jewels USC, UCLA steering league’s sudden resurgence while preparing for Big Ten departures

Melva Thompson-Robinson might reflect the current state of the Pac-12. Her son, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, is UCLA’s star quarterback and a Heisman Trophy candidate who has led the Bruins to an undefeated record nearly midway through the season. But her heart — at least part of it — is with her alma mater 1,600 miles away.

“My mom is a diehard Michigan fan,” Dorian said. “She’s been a little bit disappointed I can’t go play in The Big House. Shoot, even sometimes she’s watching the Michigan game on her phone while she’s at my game.”

That would be a pithy anecdote except that UCLA will soon be playing Michigan in Big Ten conference games. The resurgence of the Pac-12 this season, then, might come with an asterisk. (* Don’t get used to it.)

USC and UCLA are both undefeated and on their way out the door. For every game they win, it puts the current Pac-12 closer to a playoff berth. It’s also part of a long, painful goodbye from the conference they made famous.

Thanks to the shocking events of the summer, the Trojans and Bruins have 1 ½ seasons left in the Pac-12 before heading to the Big Ten in 2024. Meanwhile, the current state of affairs is a reminder, as the conference is back on the national radar, how weakened it will be without the two Los Angeles centerpieces.

“It’s been a long time since both L.A. schools have been this successful out of the gate,” UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said. “There are still a lot of games to play … but you’ve got to enjoy these moments.”

Call it bittersweet or refreshing. The West Coast is back. The Pac-12 has four teams ranked this late in the season for the first time since 2019. USC and UCLA are both 6-0 for the first time since 2005. Oregon has won five in a row. Defending champion Utah has played in three of the last four Pac-12 Championship Games.

For a league that hasn’t participated in the College Football Playoff in six years, this is heady stuff.

Also, an omen: USC and UCLA were always the shining jewels of the Pac-12. They have combined to win at least a share of 56 conference titles going back to when the old Pacific Coast Conference was formed in 1915. Together, they have played in 46 of the 108 Rose Bowls.

Now, they’re something like carpetbaggers. When they leave for the Big Ten in two years, there will be a giant hole for the conference in Los Angeles.

“I’m not giving up on L.A.,” Pac-12…