3 reasons why UConn to Big Ten could be a potential conference realignment move

Note to the Big Ten: UConn will soon be one of only two Independent FBS football programs. While rumors of the Hukies joining the Big 12 have run rampant, it might not be the most likely landing spot for the Huskies.

The Big Ten, while already a mammoth 18-team conference, would benefit from adding the Huskies. Here are three reasons why that pairing just might come to fruition.

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Three reasons why UConn might join the Big Ten

UConn and Geno Auriemma would immediately lift the Big Ten in women's basketball. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1 The total sports fit is just too good to turn down

Yes, UConn football is less than ideal. But the Huskies are a good program across the full NCAA spectrum, and while football matters, it doesn't matter to the exclusion of anything else.

UConn's men's basketball and women's basketball programs alone would justify its entry into the Big Ten. UConn's 11 women's NCAA titles isn't just the most in the nation, it's 10 more than the Big Ten has even won.

Meanwhile, men's hoops has six NCAA crowns, with the first in 1999. The Big Ten claims 10 champions in its conference history.

#2 UConn and Notre Dame could move together

Aside from UConn, the nation's other remaining Independent FBS program, Notre Dame, is another big prize.

The two could join the Big Ten together and expand the league to 20 teams. Notre Dame has long been regarded as the major conference expansion prize, but given its own unique TV deal, Notre Dame has been coy about a move.

A realigned Big Ten could even divide into the divisions or pods, allowing the western-most teams and the eastern-most ones to compete more directly against each other. UConn would fit with Rutgers, Maryland, Penn State and perhaps Ohio State. Notre Dame would be a central team.

#3 Frankly, UConn doesn't fit anywhere else

The bottom line for UConn is that it just doesn't fit better anywhere else. The ACC does have Syracuse and Boston College, but UConn doesn't fit geographically with most of the league. UConn could never fit culturally or geographically with the SEC.

Of course, the Big 12 is the most likely fit, but it's a bad fit both geographically and culturally. Only Kansas could battle the Huskies in men's basketball, and nobody in the league could hang with the women's basketball program. The Big 12 feels a distant fourth in the power leagues.

So, the Big Ten ends up as the logical home for the Hukies.

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What conference do you think UConn will ultimately join? Share your thoughts below in the comments section: