Maryland has been a member of the ACC since 1953. Prior to that, the Terrapins were a member of the Southern Conference from 1922-1951 before going Independent for the 1952 season.
“Today is a watershed moment for the University of Maryland,” said university president Dr. Wallace D. Loh. “Membership in the Big Ten Conference is in the strategic interest of the University of Maryland. It will not only ensure the financial vitality of Maryland Athletics for decades to come, but the extensive opportunities in the CIC for collaborations with our peer AAU and flagship universities in education, research, and innovation will boost the University of Maryland’s ascendancy in academic excellence.”
“The Big Ten Presidents and Chancellors are pleased to welcome the University of Maryland to the Big Ten Conference,” said COP/C Chair and University of Iowa President Sally Mason. “The University of Maryland is one of the premier public research universities in the country and represents a natural alignment with our other member institutions. Their top-ranked academic and athletic programs will be a tremendous addition to our conference.”
“Today is a historic day for both the University of Maryland and for Maryland Athletics,” said director of athletics Kevin Anderson. “The Big Ten is an outstanding conference comprised of flagship research universities. Our new peers share our pursuit of both athletic and academic excellence. We are thrilled to join the Big Ten and look forward to beginning this next chapter in Maryland Athletics starting in 2014.”
The addition of Maryland will bring the total number of football-playing schools in the Big Ten to 13. Rutgers is expected to announce a move to the Big Ten later today, and that will give the conference an even 14 teams.
Although no official announcement has been made, ESPN reports that Maryland and Rutgers will be placed in the Leaders Division with Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin. Illinois will then make the switch to the Legends Division to join Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern.
However, the Chicago Tribune reported today that Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany denied that division alignment.
“I have absolutely no idea where that came from. We have not had discussion one about that” Delany said.
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