Former Nebraska AD Reveals Attempt to Move Cornhuskers Back to Big 12

Bill Moos claims he tried to orchestrate Nebraska's return to its former conference during his tenure as athletic director.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In his new memoir, former University of Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos reveals that he attempted to engineer the Cornhuskers' departure from the Big Ten and return to the Big 12 conference during his time leading the athletic department from 2017 to 2021. Moos says he approached Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby about the move, but the plan ultimately did not come to fruition, and Nebraska remains a member of the Big Ten.

Why it matters

Nebraska's move to the Big Ten in 2011 has been a contentious one, with the Cornhuskers struggling to regain their former football dominance and feeling disconnected from traditional rivals like Colorado and Oklahoma. Moos' admission provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the internal discussions and maneuvering around Nebraska's conference affiliation.

The details

According to Moos' memoir, he enlisted the help of his "old friend" Pat Kilkenny to reach out to Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby about bringing Nebraska back to the conference. Moos then met with Bowlsby while attending a Cowboys game in the Dallas area, and Bowlsby was reportedly receptive to the idea. However, the plan never materialized, and Nebraska has remained in the Big Ten under subsequent athletic directors.

  • Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011 after previously being a member of the Big 12 from 1996 to 2010.
  • Moos served as Nebraska's athletic director from 2017 to 2021.
  • Moos' memoir "Crab Creek Chronicles" was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Bill Moos

The former athletic director of the University of Nebraska from 2017 to 2021, who claims in his memoir to have plotted Nebraska's return to the Big 12 conference.

Bob Bowlsby

The commissioner of the Big 12 conference, who Moos says was receptive to the idea of Nebraska rejoining the conference.

Pat Kilkenny

A friend of Moos' who the former Nebraska AD says he enlisted to reach out to Bowlsby about Nebraska's potential return to the Big 12.

Trev Alberts

The athletic director who replaced Moos at Nebraska in 2021, before departing for Texas A&M.

Troy Dannen

The current athletic director of the University of Nebraska, who has maintained the school's membership in the Big Ten conference.

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What they’re saying

“My scheme centered around having my old friend Pat Kilkenny reach out to Bob Bowlsby, the Big 12 conference commissioner, whom I had befriended during our time together in the Pac-12.”

— Bill Moos, Former Nebraska Athletic Director (Crab Creek Chronicles)

What’s next

The University of Nebraska and the Big Ten conference have not commented on Moos' claims or indicated any plans to revisit Nebraska's conference affiliation.

The takeaway

Moos' revelation provides a rare glimpse into the internal discussions and power dynamics within college athletics, where even prominent programs like Nebraska can struggle to find the right conference fit. This story highlights the challenges faced by athletic departments in balancing tradition, competitiveness, and financial considerations when it comes to conference realignment.