The Big Ten Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that consists of 14 universities located primarily in the Midwestern United States. The term 'Big Ten' refers to the ten original members of the conference, which include Iowa, Illinois, Ohio State, and Penn State. Iowa is a four-letter university located in Iowa City, Iowa. Illinois is a six-letter university located in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State is a nine-letter university located in Columbus, Ohio. Penn State is a nine-letter university located in State College, Pennsylvania.