Rutgers is joining the Big Ten, leaving the Big East behind and cashing in on the school's investment in a football program that only 10 years ago seemed incapable of competing at the highest level.
 
The school announced its decision Tuesday at a campus news conference attended by Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, Rutgers President Robert Barchi and athletic director Tim Perenetti.
 
The move follows Maryland's announcement Monday that it was joining the Big Ten in 2014.
 
Rutgers also plans to join its new conference in 2014, though the Big East requires 27 months' notification for departing members.