In one of the most insufferable, pretentious television program you would ever want to see, the Big Ten announced Monday afternoon on their own network, among other things, the names of their six-team divisions that will be in play beginning next football season.
And, quite frankly, they blew it in absolutely spectacular, hilarious fashion.
In what’s been a highly anticipated decision, commissioner Jim Delany announced that the names of the divisions will be... wait for it... here it comes... “Legends” and “Leaders”.
In a statement, Delany explains the insanity rationale behind the names.
“‘Legends’ is a nod to our history and to the people associated with our schools who are widely recognized as legends - student-athletes, coaches, alumni and faculty. ‘Leaders’ looks to the future as we remain committed to fostering leaders, the student-athletes who are encouraged to lead in their own way for the rest of their lives, in their families, in their communities and in their chosen professions,” said Delany. “We’re proud of our many legends and even prouder of our member institutions that develop future leaders every day.”
Here’s how the divisional alignment will now look:
The Legends Division
Iowa
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Nebraska
Northwestern
The Leaders Division
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue
Wisconsin
As if the divisional names weren’t bad enough, the new logos were also introduced. If there was one word to describe the revamped look, it would have to be “nouveau dull”.
Here’s a sampling of the new logos; all of the logos can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Finally, thank goodness, the conference also announced the names of a whopping 18 trophies to be handed out for various honors.
The hardware for the Big Ten title game winner will be called the Stagg-Paterno Championship Trophy, named for legendary coaches Amos Alonzo Stagg and Joe Paterno. The most valuable player in the title game will receive the Grange-Griffin Championship Game MVP, which honors the legendary Red Grange and two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin.
Below is the complete list of football trophy names:
