Big Ten gives offers to four schools, Pitt not one of them

By Alex Oltmanns

After months of rumors saying that Pitt could join the Big Ten, a Kansas City radio station… After months of rumors saying that Pitt could join the Big Ten, a Kansas City radio station is reporting that the conference has given offers to four schools, none of which are Pitt.

The station, Sports Radio 810 WHB, is reporting that current Big 12 schools Nebraska and Missouri have been offered sports in the Big Ten, along with Rutgers out of the Big East and Notre Dame, an independent football program.

Notre Dame has said all along that it has no interest in joining the league.

Currently an 11-team league, the Big Ten has been rumored to possibly expand to either 14 or 16 teams.

If Notre Dame does indeed decline the invitation, Rutgers would be the 14th team, and the Big Ten would then decide whether to stay at 14 teams or add two more, WHB reported.

But if Notre Dame accepts, sources say the league would pursue one additional school, the station reported.

No official announcement can be made until league officials get the chance to meet in early June.

Pitt officials could not be reached immediately for comment.