Nebraska's Big Ten Journey: Struggles, Controversies, and the Road Ahead
Nebraska has been a member of the Big Ten for almost 16 years now, with their upcoming football game against Michigan State marking the start of their 16th season in the conference. Despite the financial benefits of being in the Big Ten, the Cornhuskers have struggled on the football field, only winning 10 games once since joining the conference in 2012 and missing bowl games from 2017 to 2023.
Former Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos, in his memoir "Crab Creek Chronicles," revealed that he tried to bring the Cornhuskers back to the Big 12 during his tenure. Moos approached Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby with the idea, but it did not come to fruition despite initial receptiveness from Bowlsby. Moos retired in 2021, and Trev Alberts took over as athletic director before moving to Texas A&M. The current athletic director is Troy Dannen, and Nebraska remains a member of the Big Ten, despite the challenges they have faced in the conference.