Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Big Ten Football

The Big Ten Network has arrived at NBC Sports, and Peacock. To celebrate, we're diving into a favorite Fall sport—football. The Big Ten Conference is one of the preeminent collegiate athletic conferences in the United States, known for its competitive football program. 

Here are the top 10 things you need to know about Big Ten football:

1. Conference Membership

The Big Ten Conference (formerly the Western Intercollegiate Conference), was formed in 1896 by the University of Chicago, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, and Wisconsin universities. Iowa and Indiana followed in 1899, then Ohio State in 1912. Currently, the conference consists of 14 institutions, including several of the original universities. The process for a new school to be added to the Big Ten is no easy feat and can be a lengthy process.

Universities must express interest, and be evaluated by academic reputation, athletic programs, financial stability, and alignment with the Conference's values and goals. Once evaluated—they will receive an invitation if they meet the necessary criteria to become a formal member. This is followed by a University board review and vote along with the transition to become an official member. The last institutions to join were the University of Maryland and Rutgers University in 2014. As of August 3, 2023, the Big Ten Council of Presidents announced that the University of Oregon and Washington will be added in 2024 along with UCLA and USC. 

2. Historical Significance

The Big Ten is one of the oldest collegiate conferences in the nation. Its rich history and tradition contribute to its prominence in college football. On January 11, 1895, Purdue's president, James H. Smart gathered leaders from the core universities listed above at the Palmer House hotel in Chicago, to organize and develop a blueprint for what would become the principles for intercollegiate athletics. 

The following year, one faculty member from each of the seven universities met to establish the overall mechanics of the conference. By 1905, the conference was incorporated as the “Intercollegiate Conference Athletic Association.” While academics continue to play a key role in the conference, in 1955, the Big Ten formalized a revenue-sharing model that divides media rights, bowl payouts, and any additional profits among the institutions that are a part of the Conference. 

Despite beginning with solely football, today, the Big Ten portfolio has grown to include 28 sports, ranging from ice hockey to softball. 

3. Powerhouse Programs

Several Big Ten football programs have been historically successful and consistently competitive on the national stage. The conference has set its sights on producing the top programs in the country and to challenge other top schools such as Alabama, that make up the SEC (Southeastern Conference) not only on the field, but also in the classroom. Big Ten teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State are often considered among the top programs in the country.

4. Rivalries

The conference is home to some of the most iconic and intense rivalries in college football. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, commonly known as "The Game," is one of the most famous matchups in sports history.

Another rivalry as old as the conference itself, is Minnesota and Wisconsin. These two teams battle year after year over Paul Bunyan's Axe. A rivalry so deep that the original trophy (a slab of bacon went missing). The axe trophy came to life shortly after in 1948 to continue the border battle.

LEARN MORE: Big Ten Football: Ranking the Conference's Best Rivalries

5. Academic Excellence

In addition to on the playing field, the Big Ten prides itself on its commitment to academic excellence. Many institutions within the conference are renowned for their academic programs and research contributions. To participate as an athlete within the conference, students must be a part of an institution under the Big Ten for more than a year and maintain a 3.0 gpa or higher. The program's core goal is to produce a balance between athletics and academics to provide a pathway for success for student-athletes.

Big Ten schools rank among the top 70 universities in the nation, and continue to produce over 1500 All-Americans.

6. Football Championship

Each year the Big Ten Conference hosts an annual championship football game, where the winners of the East and West divisions face off to determine the conference champion. This popular event began in 2011, and continues to determine the winning team that will continue on to the Rose Bowl. The winner also receives the Stagg Championship Trophy.

7. Bowl Games

Big Ten teams regularly participate in a variety of bowl games at the end of the season, competing against teams from other conferences across the NCAA. From the Rose Bowl to the Sugar Bowl, Big Ten Football teams are well represented in post-season play. The Big Ten Championship winner, as listed above, typically play in the Rose Bowl against the winner of the PAC 12. Bowls such as the Orange Bowl select the highest-ranked Big Ten or SEC champion to face off with the NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

READ MORE: 2022-23 Big Ten Bowl Determination Procedures (PDF)

8. Heisman Winners

Created in 1935, the Heisman trophy award by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York City was named after the Club's director John Heisman. Heisman was a player in the 1890s as well as a successful football coach. The trophy is meant to recognize the legacy of college football. Two trophies are handed out—one to an outstanding player and one to his institution. 

Several Big Ten players have won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football each year. Past winners include players like Archie Griffin, Eddie George.

9. Coaching Legends

Big Ten has become a home for dynamic and competitive coaches. From some of today's legends such as Michigan's Jim Harbaugh to Minnesota's P.J. Fleck, the Big Ten is here to not only entertain fans, but support their athletes with the best leaders on the field. 

LEARN MORE: Ranking the Big Ten's College Football Coaches for 2023

10. NFL Pipeline

The conference has a strong reputation for producing NFL talent. Many players from Big Ten schools go on to have successful careers in the National Football League. The Big Ten ranks second in the amount of NFL players produced after the Southeastern Conference (SEC)—250+ players total. 

This past year alone, the conference produced nine first-round draft picks. It can only be expected that more legends are to come in the new season. 

Kickoff the college football season by tuning in from home on NBC Sports and Peacock. View the full schedule here.