Three other programs the Big Ten should poach

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (45) defends during the second half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (45) defends during the second half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ohio State plays Notre Dame in the opener in what could be a preview of conference matchups to come. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State plays Notre Dame in the opener in what could be a preview of conference matchups to come. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame would make a great addition to the Big Ten

The Ohio State football program faces Notre Dame in the first game of the season this year. Notre Dame has valued their independence for a long time. A lot of the reason for that has been their TV deal with NBC which has afforded them singular exposure and a lot of money.

But you know what would make Notre Dame even more money? Joining the Big Ten. This is a marriage that has made so much sense for so long. The Big Ten has been interested in adding the Fighting Irish for a couple of decades now. Now would be the time to do so.

Notre Dame is a national brand that has a worldwide fanbase. They are watched all the time by fans who don’t even have a connection with the university. That’s what makes them so attractive to the Big Ten Conference. That would give them another huge brand.

Whether Notre Dame thinks they need to join a conference or not remains to be seen. Joining the Big Ten would give them almost twice the amount of TV money they currently make from NBC. Would they really spurn that money to keep their independence?

I can’t imagine Jack Swarbrick would turn his nose at the opportunity to make that much money and keep Notre Dame from being left out of a super-conference. I would keep my eyes on the Fighting Irish to make a move within the next couple of years, if not a few months.

The final program the Big Ten should look to add might surprise some of you.