Not really. I love ISU as much as the next guy but even when you factor streaming in, while ISU has a passionate and decent sized fan base, it is still very small compared to the bigger brands. I don’t think ISU moves the needle for streaming either.
It entirely depends on the end-goals of the Big 10, PAC and ACC as well as how each positions themselves for the inevitable next round. It’s not just about getting to #1, it’s also about staying ahead of whomever is behind you.
The PAC is well behind the other three conferences, and needs to swing for the fences to change that. By scooping up their choice of schools, the Big 10 can limit that. All the schools on the board have some positives and negatives. Baylor and TCU have great academics, but are smaller schools with fewer viewers and are private religious institutions. Tech, OSU and K-State have poor academics. KU has a terrible football program. ISU has recent success, but a terrible history of football.
On the flip side, ISU has the second biggest TV audience behind OSU. ISU has the largest stadium and has been very aggressive in upgrading facilities. ISU has the third best academics behind Baylor and TCU, and is one of two AAU members. That’s a pretty compelling resume.