Big Ten expansion candidate: Iowa State

The sixth installment in a series looking at 12 different universities that could potentially join the Big Ten

School: Iowa State

Location: Ames, Iowa

Enrollment: 26,856

Current league: Big 12

Number of sports offered: 14 (cross country lumped together)

Academic profile: Member of the Association of American Universities; 88th in the U.S. News and World Report National Universities rankings

Why it would fit: Geographic proximity to both Minnesota and Iowa. Iowa State would provide both with a key in-conference rival. Academically, it's in the same ballpark as Big Ten institutions. Iowa State has competed in a tough athletic league for generations and traditionally held its own in men's basketball and played in several football bowl games. It's non-revenue sports also are solid.

Why it wouldn't: Iowa State doesn't add to the Big Ten demographically. The Big Ten Network already is in every household of the league's smallest state by population.

Final verdict: Not much of a chance of Iowa State joining the Big Ten.

YouTube moment: Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads' emotional address inside the Cyclones' locker room after beating Nebraska Oct. 24, 2009.