Nebraska is ranked 47th in US News & World Report's college rankings, which is a far better benchmark than Forbes. In fact, it is the publication in such rankings. I think that would still put us in the bottom 25% of the current Big Ten, if not dead last, but guess what? That's where Penn State was ranked in 1990, before joining the Big Ten. Look at them now, and you'll see where Nebraska will be ranked in ten-fifteen years.
Are we a top program in football? Depends on what metric you're looking at. We haven't won jack squat in a decade, but we've played for more national championships in the past decade than Michigan, Iowa, Michigan State, Penn State, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Northwestern combined.
Further, Nebraska is being picked by several publications to win the Big Ten this year. If we're not a top football program, what does that say about the Big Ten?
Agreed. Thats why the move was good for Nebraska as well.
I dont subscribe to "several publications predictions". I think many of them are expecting the B10 to be down this year, I however dont see it. Oh St, yeah I can see them having some troubles, but many of the teams look pretty good and have hunger pains. Then add Nebraska wanting to do well first year in and, this year could be a good year, except for a couple of the B10 teams. I am sure there will be enough competition to satisfy everyone. To over come all that's happened in the B10 this year, the teams need to over achieve. Just like when they "star" a recruit, they come up with an easy formula to make their predictions. Really who can blame them, there are to many teams out there for them to break down.
Even according to vegas there are 7 B10 teams 8 counting Nebraska in the 49 listed with given odds of winning the NC. Nebraska has the best odds, with Wisky and State right behind them. Point is vegas sees the possibility of 7 other B10 teams with very good potential. Even ILL, along with the likes of TX Tech, Pitt, ect, who if you bet on and they won, you could pry retire. I think we will see some pretty good games this year!!