My 'Expansion Big Ten' for May

Each month, until this issue of Big Ten expansion is settled, I will have my Expansion Big Ten.

This is how I'm guessing the candidates for joining the conference rank in order of the likelihood they'll accept invitations to join. Assuming they even get invited.

On with the show:

1. Missouri -- It makes sense on many levels for both parties. Plus, Mizzou is still seething about not getting an Insight Bowl bid at 8-4 ahead of 6-6 Iowa State.

2. Rutgers -- Four words: New York, New Jersey.

3. Nebraska -- Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald has this good column illustrating why the Cornhuskers should try to be part of the Big ten.

4. Pittsburgh -- It's not an exciting add, but it's a good school with a solid athletics program that would be a good add to help get the league an even number of teams.

5. Notre Dame -- So many say the Fighting Irish will fight to retain their football independence. I'm halfway convinced.

6. Maryland -- Nothing after the top 5 seems realistic, so why not the Washington, D.C./Baltimore market?

7. Connecticut -- Population.

8. Texas -- A dreamer's dream, but a good one.

9. Texas A&M -- The Aggies will ride the Longhorns' coattails however this all eventually unfolds.

10. Kentucky -- If you're going to go all superconference, why not take a big chunk out of the SEC?

11. California-Santa Cruz -- The school doesn't have a football program, so that could be a drawback.