When is 18 better than 16? Or 10? When the additions are football powerhouses. That’s just what happened this week for the Big 10, the most interesting and profitable conference in U.S. collegiate athletics.
The Big 10 has added both Oregon and Washington to their roster of schools, adding two colleges that typically field very strong football programs. With Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin, already strong programs in the Big 10, and USC and UCLA coming, the conference is now unquestionably the envy of every other in the nation.
When it comes to college football, few conferences can rival the rich history and storied tradition of the Big Ten. Spanning multiple generations, the conference has consistently been a breeding ground for gridiron greatness, producing some of the most iconic teams and moments in the sport's history. As the gridiron battles have raged on, certain teams have emerged as perennial powerhouses, etching their names into the annals of college football lore.
B1G - Dominant force since 1896
Dating back to its inception in 1896, the Big Ten Conference has been a dominant force in college football. The conference's member schools, situated primarily in the Midwest, have built a legacy that spans over a century. Throughout the years, several teams have risen to prominence, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The Ohio State Buckeyes stand tall as one of the most successful and storied programs in the history of college football. With an impressive array of national championships, conference titles, and Heisman Trophy winners, Ohio State's legacy is firmly rooted in gridiron excellence. The Buckeyes consistently contend for conference supremacy and national recognition, making them a perennial force to be reckoned with.
Another titan in the Big Ten is the University of Michigan Wolverines. With a history dating back to the late 1800s, Michigan football has contributed significantly to the conference's legacy. The Wolverines have amassed an impressive collection of conference championships and boast one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in the nation. The annual clash between Ohio State and Michigan, known as "The Game," has become a college football institution, capturing the attention of fans across the country.
Wolverines trending well against OSU
In each of the last two seasons, Michigan has defeated Ohio State in that rivalry game, and advanced to compete in the College Football playoffs. Last season, OSU also made it that far.
Penn State University has also left an indelible mark on Big Ten football. Though the Nittany Lions joined the conference later in its history, their impact has been profound. Penn State boasts multiple national championships and a reputation for producing top-tier talent. The university's storied history, highlighted by iconic coaches and memorable moments, has solidified its status as a powerhouse in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
The University of Nebraska, despite its geographic location outside the traditional Midwest footprint of the conference, has made a significant impact since joining the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers have a storied history that includes numerous national championships and a passionate fan base known as the "Sea of Red." Nebraska's football tradition has seamlessly integrated with the rich tapestry of the conference, adding another layer of excellence to the Big Ten's storied legacy.
Dynamic array of programs unique to the football narrative
While these teams have historically stood out, it's important to recognize that the Big Ten is home to a dynamic array of programs, each contributing its own unique chapter to the conference's football narrative. Schools like Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Iowa have also made notable contributions to the conference's gridiron history, consistently fielding competitive teams and making deep postseason runs.
Throughout its history, the Big Ten Conference has showcased the best of college football, from iconic rivalries and historic moments to the development of future NFL stars. The conference's tradition of excellence, competitive spirit, and commitment to the game have made it a perennial powerhouse on the national stage.
As the seasons continue to unfold, new chapters will be written with USC and the other west coast teams now in the fold, and fresh rivalries will emerge, adding to the ever-evolving legacy of the Big Ten. With its rich history and a roster of teams that have left an indelible mark on the sport, the Big Ten Conference stands as a testament to the enduring passion and excitement that college football brings to fans across the nation.
Michael McKean is an experienced writer with a portfolio that includes work on the subjects of sport, gambling, travel and finance. With a background rooted in journalism, Michael first ventured into the professional writing world based in Switzerland, where he wrote for a number of language and travel sites and magazines before moving into the world of sports writing and gambling sites.
As an avid soccer fan, who follows everything from the Scottish lower leagues to the European elites, he has earned himself a solid reputation as a reliable football betting tipster and predictor. Outside of work, Michael has always gotten involved with grassroutes football everywhere he has worked and lived - UK, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil - and still isn’t shy when it comes to pulling the boots on himself. As well as soccer, he has also developed a love of North American sports, particularly ice hockey - a love which began in Switzerland and saw him venture across the pond to follow the NHL. Moving away from dry land, he’s also a keen longboard surfer and is happiest when writing with a view of the ocean.
