Big 10 Conference Team Shirts

Affiliate Notice

The Big Ten Conference, originally known as the Western Conference, was founded on June 8, 1896, by a group of 13 Midwest-based colleges and universities. The conference was formed to promote athletic competition and cooperation among its member institutions. Over the years, the conference has undergone several changes, including the addition of new members, changes in its name, and the inclusion of non-athletic activities.

Early Years (1896-1917)

The Western Conference was established in 1896 with the following founding members:

  1. University of Illinois
  2. University of Chicago
  3. University of Michigan
  4. Northwestern University
  5. University of Minnesota
  6. Purdue University
  7. University of Wisconsin
  8. University of Iowa
  9. Indiana University
  10. University of Kansas
  11. University of Missouri
  12. University of Nebraska
  13. University of Ohio State

The conference was initially known as the Western Conference because most of its founding members were located in the western part of the United States.

Name Change and Expansion (1918-1980)

In 1917, the conference changed its name to the Big Ten Conference after adding Northwestern University and Purdue University to its membership. The conference continued to grow and expand over the years, adding additional members:

  • 1918: University of Indiana
  • 1922: Ohio State University
  • 1923: Penn State University
  • 1950: Michigan State University (then known as Michigan State College)
  • 1953: Northwestern University (again)

The Big Ten Conference was known for its strong athletic programs in football, basketball, and other sports.

Modern Era (1981-Present)

In 1982, the Big Ten Conference underwent a significant expansion, adding three new members:

  • 1982: Penn State University (again)
  • 1990: Ohio State University (again)
  • 1991: Indiana University (again)

In 2014, the conference underwent another expansion, adding two new members:

  • 2014: Maryland Terrapins (University of Maryland) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)

As of the 2024 season, the Big Ten Conference is set to expand significantly with the addition of several new teams. Here’s a list of the teams that will be part of the Big Ten in 2024:

Current Big Ten Members (as of 2023)

  1. University of Illinois
  2. Indiana University
  3. University of Iowa
  4. University of Maryland
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Michigan State University
  7. University of Minnesota
  8. Northwestern University
  9. Ohio State University
  10. Penn State University
  11. Purdue University
  12. Rutgers University
  13. University of Wisconsin

New Additions in 2024

The following schools are set to join the Big Ten in 2024:

  1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  2. University of Southern California (USC)
  3. University of Washington
  4. University of Oregon

Summary

So, in total, the Big Ten will have 16 teams in 2024, following the inclusion of UCLA and USC from the Pac-12, as well as Washington and Oregon. This expansion marks a significant change in the conference and aims to enhance competition and media rights potential.

 

The Big Ten Conference is also known for its academic excellence, with many member institutions ranking among the top universities in the world.

Non-Athletic Activities

In addition to athletic competition, the Big Ten Conference has also promoted academic and cultural activities among its member institutions. These activities include:

  • The Big Ten Academic All-American Team: An annual award recognizing student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics.
  • The Big Ten Medal of Honor: An award recognizing outstanding academic achievement among student-athletes.
  • The Big Ten Faculty Athletics Representatives Meeting: An annual meeting for faculty representatives from each member institution to discuss academic issues related to athletics.

Overall, the Big Ten Conference has a rich history and has played an important role in shaping the development of collegiate athletics in the United States.

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