Eric Staniak knew little of Maryland when he attended Oregon games in the 1970s.
Staniak used to watch the Ducks play traditional Pac-12 rivals such as Stanford and “never imagined” a game against the Terps would be a conference game. But that’s the reality of the restructured Big Ten as fans of new conference teams are adjusting to playing Maryland and other schools.
“Everything’s weird with the Big Ten,” Oregon fan Tom Scoggin said. “It’s all new and it’s fun.”
The Terps hosted USC and traveled to face Oregon this year, both new Big Ten members. While each meeting was the first in program history, Maryland fans are used to conference realignment after its athletic programs switched from the ACC to the Big Ten in 2014.
But that move came in a different landscape of college football. Conference play this year often features contests between teams on different coasts and time zones.
USC fan Melissa Coste traveled all day when the Trojans visited College Park, while Anthony Butler drove more than seven hours to watch the team play at SECU Stadium. Many Terps fans also flew to Eugene for Maryland’s contest against the Ducks.
[Maryland football’s loss to Oregon continued its gap against Big Ten elites]
For some supporters, the benefit of seeing different areas of the country is worth the long journey.
“I think it’s cool to see the traditions of the other Big Ten schools,” USC alum and fan Brad Head said.
Maryland’s reputation was obvious throughout different conversations with fans. Crabs, Washington, D.C., and the state flag were repeatedly mentioned as hallmarks of the area.
Minnesota fan Paige Nytes would love to try seafood from Maryland, but didn’t know a single thing about the university. Katelyn Coste, a senior bioengineering major at this university and California native, took her family to Looney’s Pub, a popular College Park bar.
Other Big Ten fans were more familiar with Maryland. Staniak previously visited College Park and rubbed Testudo’s bronze nose for good luck, a trademark tradition at this university. Head said the Terps’ program is often filled with talent, but needed to improve recruiting local talent.
Some supporters of the newest Big Ten schools feel a lingering sense of nostalgia — multiple Oregon and USC fans said they missed the Pac-12 and regional rivalries in the conference. The lack of real rivals inside the conference is similar to Maryland, who between ACC foes such as Duke and Virginia.
[No. 1 Oregon overwhelms Maryland football in 39-18 road loss]
Trojans superfan Roy Nwaisser has attended nearly 400 consecutive USC football games, but hasn’t enjoyed the move to the Big Ten.
“As a fan I hate it,” Nwaisser said. “It makes no sense for USC to be playing in Maryland for an in-conference game.”
Nwaisser added that while the travel isn’t as much of an issue for football teams, who play one game each week, the adjustment could cause issues for sports such as volleyball. Staniak hopes the Big Ten considers the travel difficulties when scheduling other teams.
The future of the conference may grow further. Teams have shown interest in joining, but Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has said the league is primarily focused on getting the current conference right.
Most fans are excited about the future of the Big Ten and the various possibilities it will present. In 2025, the Terps will travel to UCLA’s esteemed Rose Bowl, while Washington will visit College Park.
But for some fans, leaving a mark on the newest Big Ten comes first.
“This is the first time playing Maryland ever in college football, so hopefully we can start a good rivalry,” USC fan Mirella Roberts said. “I think it’s going to make the sport better overall.”
