Nebraska's official arrival as a Big Ten member Friday summoned a swell of statements from key figures around the league.
In case you missed them, here's a look:
Illinois head coach Ron Zook: "Nebraska has a great football tradition as well as a high level of success in many other sports. They bring the Big Ten to an even number and are a good fit as a strong Midwestern university. They will provide another challenge in an already extremely competitive conference, but we look forward to competing with the Cornhuskers as soon as the schedules can be coordinated."
Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez: "I was fortunate enough to have been a student-athlete in Nebraska's storied football program and I realize the magnitude and brand identity of their athletic program. Nebraska's fan base is as enthusiastic and passionate as any in the country and is similar to that of many Big Ten schools."
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio: "During my four years as an assistant at Kansas and my first two years as an assistant at Michigan State, I had an opportunity to compete against Tom Osborne-coached Nebraska teams. Coach Osborne had a Hall of Fame career, winning three national championships. Now, Bo Pelini is doing great things at Nebraska. His teams have won 19 games over the last two seasons. As you know, I have great appreciation for the tradition of the college game and I admire the coaching connection between Nebraska and Michigan State. Legendary Nebraska head coach Bob Devaney got his start as an assistant under former Spartan head coaches ‘Biggie’ Munn and Duffy Daugherty in the 1950s. All three of those coaches are members of the College Football Hall of Fame.”
Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi: "For the Gophers, I don't know if there's a better selection because of the geographical location. As an AD, it's great for us because our Olympic sports teams can get on a bus and get over there. Our fans can drive there. Their fans can drive there. I think it's a great fit."
Iowa athletic director Gary Barta: "I expect Iowa and Nebraska to quickly develop a healthy athletic rivalry that will stir the passions of our respective fans and captivate the region and the nation. Much of what makes college athletics great involves the rivalries that develop over the years, and the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers are a natural to grow into one of the nation's next marquee rivalries."
Penn State president Graham Spanier: "Nebraska is a tremendous addition to the Big Ten. Nebraska has a rich tradition of academic excellence. It has been a valued institutional partner in the Association of American Universities for decades, and we look forward to enhanced relationships through the academic alliance that surrounds the Big Ten."
Penn State athletic director Tim Curley: "Nebraska is a great fit with our athletic programs. Their athletic accomplishments on the field of play are among the strongest nationally, and they enjoy excellent graduation rates. We have enjoyed our athletic competitions and friendships forged with Nebraska and are looking forward to welcoming their University staff, student-athletes and loyal alumni and fans into the Big Ten."
Purdue head coach Danny Hope: "Change is always exciting and presents new opportunities. From a football standpoint, Nebraska is one of the truly elite programs in the country and makes a strong Big Ten Conference even stronger. When I was an assistant coach at Oklahoma in 1995, we played at Memorial Stadium, and there is no doubt that the entire state of Nebraska supports the Cornhuskers."
Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther: "Nebraska is a special brand and is a very good fit for the Big Ten. They have a broad-based program including a nationally recognized football team. Nebraska is a good academic and geographic fit for the conference and I believe the culture is very similar to existing members in the Big Ten."