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Big Ten reveals fresh logo, new names for divisions

The Big Ten Conference on Monday revealed a series of changes prompted by the addition of Nebraska to the conference roster, including new logos and names for the new divisions. The Cornhuskers are set to join the league next summer.

 “When we announced football division alignments in September, other associated decisions had not yet been made,” said Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany. “We wanted to take some time to listen, carefully consider and make choices that would best honor our history and traditions, reflect our core values and characteristics, and tell our story. We involved many thoughtful, dedicated professionals, and we listened to many ideas from our member schools, alumni and fans.”

In addition to the new logo, developed by the design firm Pentagram, the conference announced its two divisions will be called Legends (Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern) and Leaders (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin). Some variations of the logo take the divisions into account.

“ ‘Legends’ is a nod to our history and to the people associated with our schools who are widely recognized as legends – student-athletes, coaches, alumni and faculty,” Delany said. “ ‘Leaders’ looks to the future as we remain committed to fostering leaders, the student-athletes who are encouraged to lead in their own way for the rest of their lives, in their families, in their communities and in their chosen professions. We’re proud of our many legends and even prouder of our member institutions that develop future leaders every day.”

The league also created 18 awards to honor its top football student-athletes, named after Big Ten greats like Joe Paterno, Harold Edward “Red” Grange, Gerald Ford and Archie Griffin. For a complete list of the awards, their purpose and namesakes, click here.

“These trophies will honor our legends and leaders for generations to come,” Delany said. “The names on these trophies are fitting tributes to the hundreds of thousands of student-athletes and coaches whose hard work and dedication have contributed to the legacy of the Big Ten Conference over the past 115 years.”