Longtime college football radio host Greg Swaim has dismissed rumors of TCU joining the Big Ten, emphasizing that the conference is unlikely to consider schools without AAU accreditation. Swaim clarified that the Big Ten has a strict policy against adding non-AAU accredited institutions, effectively quashing any speculation regarding TCU’s potential move.
In a previous report, Swaim highlighted the significance of AAU accreditation for Big Ten membership, citing sources from numerous conference schools. This requirement has implications for potential realignment scenarios, especially amidst the current landscape of college sports upheaval. The recent inclusion of USC and UCLA in another conference has altered the dynamics, prompting discussions about potential moves for other prominent programs.
Given the Big Ten’s stance on AAU accreditation, Swaim suggests that Nebraska could reconsider its affiliation in the future. Nebraska’s transition to the Big Ten hasn’t been seamless, and Swaim speculates that the program might explore a return to the Big 12, potentially becoming its flagship program. Such a move could offer Nebraska the opportunity to reestablish itself as a perennial contender in a conference more suited to its competitive aspirations, potentially mitigating the costs associated with frequent coaching changes in the Big Ten.
