Big Ten Football: Top 5 expansion candidates for the conference
By Zach Bigalke
One of the most prevalent considerations when looking at expansion candidates is the ability to expand into new television markets and recruiting ground. For the Big Ten it already has a lockdown on the Midwest and northeastern parts of the country. To truly grow into new territory and bolster its recruiting, the league would need to begin looking toward absorbing its way into the south.
Despite the academic scandal that rolled through the athletic department, the NCAA has refused to issue any sanctions against North Carolina. Beyond that, Chapel Hill is renowned as one of the top research facilities in the country. Its profile as a flagship university within its state fits right in with the other members of the Big Ten.
On the field, North Carolina has failed to live up to its potential on the gridiron. The school is far better known for its top-flight basketball programs, its soccer teams, and other sports. But football success hasn’t completely eluded the Tar Heels, who would offer a southern flank for the Big Ten in an expansion.
As has happened in previous realignments, the Big Ten is not shy about poaching the ACC. It already stole away Maryland, and it would not hesitate to bring a school of North Carolina’s caliber into the fold — warts and all.