Who's joining the Big Ten?

Maybe nobody. At the end of the day, the decision may be made that there's no good fit. That's a guess. It's exciting because I think a year from now we could be sitting here knowing the landscape of the college athletic scene, especially the Big Ten, could be completely changed depending on how it works out. It's going to be an exciting time. It could be zero or it could be numbers unlimited.

If he makes it to an NFL camp, either as a draftee or a free agent, he will be starting over.

"I have a lot of faith that somebody is going to give me an opportunity," Williams said.

Chris O'Connor's presence on film was enough for Illinois to extend a scholarship offer, his first, earlier this month. First-year offensive coordinator Paul Petrino has led the Illini's recruitment.

"Illinois was the biggest one so far," Zimmer said. "That's the biggest one right now, but this week's been busy with phone calls requesting film on him. Wisconsin is probably the next Big Ten team with a lot of interest."

Former Illini defensive lineman Moe Gardner is on the 2010 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. If the voters do a little research, Gardner will be one of this year's choices. A two-time All-American and Big Ten defensive player of the year, Gardner dominated his position. And when it comes to Halls of Fame that's what voting should be all about. Was the player the best defensive lineman during his era? Yes.

Buckeyes coach making $3.5 million-plus

Former Illini defensive tackle Moe Gardner is a College Football Hall of Fame candidate.

The National FootballFoundation (NFF) announced Thursday the names of 77 players and seven coaches who comprise the 2010 Football Bowl Subdivision Ballot for induction into the Hall of Fame.

BCS executive director Bill Hancock said Wednesday he will respond to a question-filled letter sent to him by two U.S. Senators.

"I'm looking forward to taking a longer look at the letter. I sure do think that Congress has more important things to do, with all the issues facing our country," Hancock said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "The BCS is fair. Access is fair. Revenue is distributed fairly. And frankly, we welcome the opportunity to tell our story every chance we get."

Big Ten expansion talk could force change in South Bend