Indiana Hoosiers: 5 teams the Big Ten absolutely needs to consider adding

5. Notre Dame

Notre Dame is the most obvious choice and would probably be number one on this list if it seemed like they ever wanted to join. Every conversation about expanding the conference should start with the Fighting Irish, but they still seem quite content to stay independent in football.

The other thing that makes this seem less likely is the fact that they have joined the ACC in about every other sport. If forced to join a conference it appears that the Fighting Irish would join the ACC and some think it is because they want to be in an easier conference.

Notre Dame, though, fits everything the Big Ten would want in a new addition. They are centrally located within the region of the Big Ten. Although they are not part of the AAU, their academics are up to standard for the conference.

They have rivals all over the place in the Big Ten also. They are one of Michigan and Michigan State’s top rival. They have played Purdue regularly and would also have another in-state rival in Indiana if they joined.

They also bring in a competitive team in almost every sport, which is a huge plus for them to join any conference. But until they want to give up their rights to NBC televising their football games this will never happen.

It may if the power five conferences slowly take over the landscape of sports, but until then the Irish aren’t leaving and probably not going to the Big Ten. But this would be the best get for the Big Ten.