Is Nebraska Leaving the Big Ten? When Did Nebraska Join the Big Ten?

Explore Nebraska's Big Ten journey - from joining in 2011 to the recent conference realignment. Get the scoop on the latest changes in college football dynamics.

by Sangamithra | Updated Nov 25, 2023

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Is Nebraska Leaving the Big Ten?

The University of Nebraska is not leaving the Big Ten Conference. Instead, the conference is undergoing a significant realignment with the addition of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12. This move will expand the Big Ten to 18 teams, with UCLA and USC also confirmed to join in 2024.

In response to these changes, the University of Nebraska released a joint statement expressing excitement about the expansion. The statement, issued by University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter, UNL Chancellor Dr. Rodney Bennett, and Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Trev Alberts, highlights the historic moment for both the Big Ten Conference and the university. It emphasizes the evolving landscape of college athletics and the Big Ten's position as a premier conference.

The addition of Oregon and Washington is seen as a positive development, expanding the Big Ten's reach to the Pacific Northwest. The statement notes the opportunities for collaboration in research and academics and mentions the benefit to Nebraska's West Coast alumni base, allowing them to watch the Huskers compete more regularly.

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When Did Nebraska Join the Big Ten?

Nebraska joined the Big Ten on July 1, 2011. The process began on June 11, 2010, when Nebraska applied for membership, and their request was unanimously approved by the conference, making them the 12th school to join. At that time, Big Ten officials emphasized that they did not have any immediate plans to expand beyond 12 teams.

This marked the first wave of expansion for the Big Ten, with Nebraska becoming an integral part of the conference. The move was significant for both Nebraska and the Big Ten, shaping the landscape of collegiate athletics. In summary, Nebraska officially became a member of the Big Ten on July 1, 2011, following unanimous approval in June 2010.

Nebraska

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, often called the Huskers, are the sports teams representing the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As members of the Big Ten Conference in NCAA Division I, they field 22 varsity teams in various sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball. The university has a rich athletic history, with early team nicknames like the Antelopes, Old Gold Knights, Bugeaters, and Mankilling Mastodons.

The term "Cornhuskers" emerged in 1899, officially adopted by the school in 1900 and later by the entire state of Nebraska in 1945. Nebraska was part of the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association for 89 years, with a brief pause during World War I. In 1996, the university joined the Big 12 Conference, formed by merging the Big Eight with Texas schools from the Southwest Conference.

Then, in 2011, Nebraska became a member of the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers have two mascots, Herbie Husker and Lil' Red. The university's teams have achieved success, winning a total of 29 national championships, including titles in football, volleyball, men's gymnastics, bowling, and women's track and field. The official colors are scarlet and cream, and the fight song is "Hail Varsity." For more information, you can visit their website at www.huskers.com.

Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten Conference often stylized as B1G, is the oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference in the United States. Established in 1896 as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives, it predates the NCAA, its regulatory organization. Initially consisting of 10 universities, it now boasts 14 member institutions, with plans to welcome four more in 2024.

Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, the Big Ten is renowned for its major research universities with strong academic standings and significant financial endowments. While most are public institutions, Northwestern University is a private founding member. The conference has a large student body, with 12 out of the 14 members enrolling over 30,000 students each. The universities collectively educate more than 520,000 students and have 5.7 million living alumni.

In terms of athletics, the Big Ten competes in NCAA Division I, and its football teams play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Over the years, the conference's geographic reach has expanded, covering areas from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Plains, and it is set to stretch to the Pacific Ocean in 2024. Despite its growth, the Big Ten has retained its historic name while evolving to include 14 members and 2 affiliate members.

Big Ten Standings

Big Ten East Standings:

TEAM

CONFERENCE RECORD

OVERALL RECORD

Michigan Wolverines

6-0

9-0

Ohio State Buckeyes

6-0

9-0

Penn State Nittany Lions

5-1

8-1

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

3-3

6-3

Maryland Terrapins

2-4

5-4

Indiana Hoosiers

1-5

3-6

Michigan State Spartans

1-5

3-6

Big Ten West Standings:

TEAM

CONFERENCE RECORD

OVERALL RECORD

Iowa Hawkeyes

4-2

7-2

Nebraska Cornhuskers

3-3

5-4

Minnesota Golden Gophers

3-3

5-4

Wisconsin Badgers

3-3

5-4

Illinois Fighting Illini

2-4

4-5

Northwestern Wildcats

2-4

4-5

Purdue Boilermakers

1-5

2-7

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Is Nebraska Leaving the Big Ten - FAQs

1. Is Nebraska leaving the Big Ten?  

No, the University of Nebraska is not leaving the Big Ten; instead, the conference is expanding with the addition of Oregon and Washington.

2. When did Nebraska join the Big Ten?  

Nebraska joined the Big Ten on July 1, 2011, after unanimous approval on June 11, 2010, becoming the conference's 12th school.

3. What are Nebraska's official mascots?  

Nebraska has two official mascots: Herbie Husker and Lil' Red.

4. How many national championships have Nebraska's athletic programs won?  

Nebraska's athletic programs have won a total of 29 national championships in various sports, including football, volleyball, and gymnastics.

5. What are the official colors of Nebraska?  

The official colors of Nebraska are scarlet and cream.