The 10 programs that have been 'vetted' by the Big Ten for expansion

The realignment discussions continue in lieu of the Pac-12 looking to secure a media rights deal

College football expansion has been a daily subject of discussion throughout the country since last July, when USC and UCLA announced that they were leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.

The Pac-12 has been struggling PR wise to combat the onslaught of criticism they have received in losing their two Los Angeles programs, but are working on assembling a media rights deal to keep all of their current members happy. If they are successful in both securing a deal and keeping everyone happy, they will look to expand with San Diego State and SMU among others being viewed as the best candidates. 

However, aside from receiving nonstop criticism the entire year, the Pac-12 is also having to worry about programs fleeing to the Big 12 and Big Ten. The Big 12 has been quite vocal about wanting Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah and appear to not shy away from being the reason the Pac-12 collapses. The Big Ten on the other hand has been much quieter about their interest. To be fair, they are the most wealthy conference in college sports, so any further additions is the rich getting richer. 

Regardless, it was recently reported by reporter Jim Williams, that the Big Ten has "vetted" 10 programs across the country for a possible membership. This doesn't mean that they'll get the invitation, but there could very well be a world where the Big Ten again looks to dip into the expansion pool. 

Let's take a look at the 10 programs in which the Big Ten has sniffed around about, in no particular order.

Duke

Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

With the ACC also having some issues of their own, the Big Ten could be a landing spot for Duke who has one of the best basketball programs in all of college basketball. 

Utah

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After being a part of the group that was heavily linked with the Big 12, Utah has since faded from those conversations. Instead of the Big 12 getting the four corner schools, it has now turned into some combination featuring Colorado, Arizona, UConn, and Gonzaga. Football wise, Utah is just as physical as any team in the country, so they are an interesting fit. It also gives the Big Ten more real estate out West. 

Oregon

Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ducks have long been linked to the Big Ten, as they and Washington have both expressed interest in joining the conference if things go South in the Pac-12. 

Miami

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

This would be a little far South of every program they have, but it would also give them access to one of the best sports hubs in the United States. Miami also happens to have a popular football team that was once dominant, good basketball programs, and they are good at baseball. 

Washingtion

Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Similar to Oregon, Washington has been linked to the Big Ten all year. Being in Seattle would give the Big Ten another great market, and they also make travel easier for the LA schools. 

Georgia Tech

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

A former member of the SEC back in 1933-63, Georgia Tech in hindsight may have wanted to stick that membership out. They offer a huge market it Atlanta, but have been inconsistent in both football and basketball.

North Carolina

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina along with Notre Dame was one of the most talked about programs during the first initial Big Ten discussions. The Big Ten gets to go further South, and also get to add a historically successful program. 

Virginia

Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten would benefit financially and Virginia would get a boost athletics wise. However, Virginia would likely benefit much more than the concerned would. They offer good academics and basketball, but football wise they don't bring much. 

Cal

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Cal offers location and academics, but football and basketball wise they haven't been up to snuff. I will say though, there basketball team is headed in the right direction.

Stanford

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford offers one of the top academic powerhouses in the world, and they have also been extremely good at football prior to the past few seasons. They and Cal make life much easier for USC and UCLA travel wise, and it also gives the Big Ten a very unique market that they don't have access to.