What a Current Big Ten Alignment Would Look Like

Does the Big Ten needed any further realignment after its most recent change?

Why?

I would like to thank the game ahead for the majority of this realignment possibility. Whether it is Michigan-Ohio State or Penn State-Ohio State, the Big Ten Champion is already decided for us. This is an issue the ACC is also facing, a division ruling over the other. And with Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State all in one division, I don’t see why this wouldn’t happen. Our realignment of today will be to fix these imbalanced divisions and add some spice to a boring division system.

How Is This Determined?

First off, we are splitting up the group of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State due to some refreshment for those teams. Also, we will keep the two best teams separated and the two worst separated. Our new division lineup will accommodate most rivalries and create new ones as well.

The Divisions

Cross-Division Rivalries:

-Michigan vs Ohio State

-Wisconsin vs Minnesota

-Purdue vs Indiana

-Michigan State vs Penn State

-Iowa vs Northwestern (NEW)

-Maryland vs Rutgers (NEWish)

-Nebraska vs Illinois (NEW)

Most of the important rivalry games fit right up with the new divisions structure. We kept various rivalries like: The Game, Land Grant Trophy, Paul Bunyan’s Axe, and Old Oaken Bucket. Some of the newer rivalries will bring a new identity to newer Big Ten teams. The Maryland-Rutgers game is practically already a rivalry, just without a name. And for Iowa and Northwestern, these are both teams that do predominately well in the Big Ten, but get no recognition. And finally, the Nebraska-Illinois game will spark some interest as a legendary powerhouse faces off with a program generating new talent. I think Big Ten fans can enjoy the scheme made up rivalry-wise through this new slew of divisions. Also, notice how the division names have reverted to Legends and Leaders, a nod to the Big Ten’s past.

Any New Teams?

If I am the Big Ten, I am sitting pretty until necessary to expand. Needless to say, this conference will grow like every other one has. I can only envision a couple of true contenders to earn a Big Ten spot. These teams being: Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Cincinnati. Notre Dame is a farther-fetched team because of their extensive ties to the ACC. Iowa State and Cincinnati bring in proximity to the Big Ten, but also have some great ties with existing members. Iowa State would only join in if the Big 12 dropped them off in favor of Houston, or disbanded entirely. Some of the other possible candidates, but not likely, are: Buffalo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, and West Virginia. I like to put smaller non-power 5 teams on this list to give them a goal to work to if they keep a consistent program. And for West Virginia, I feel the Big Ten would be more inclined to bring in Iowa State because of the Iowa Hawkeye rivalry being an immediate effect.

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Photo Credits: https://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/2018/07/big_ten_football_recruiting_rankings_penn_state_pu.html