Big Ten football will be back in action on Oct. 23-24 after university presidents and chancellors from the conference voted unanimously to reinstate the season. The decision came a little more than a month after the conference postponed because of COVID-19 concerns including a lack of testing abilities and long-term effects of the virus like myocarditis.
Per the Big Ten, the reversal came as a result of “new information” presented in the past week, alongside the establishment of new safety protocols. Updates regarding fall sports other than football, which will also require testing protocols before they can resume competition, will come at a later date.
The Pac-12 is the only remaining Power 5 conference planning for a fall without football. Commissioner Larry Scott said its California and Oregon schools are now in contact with local health officials on when they can resume practice.
Big Ten Season Details:
- Teams will play eight regular season conference games.
- The conference’s season will finish in time for the College Football Playoff Selection Day on Dec. 20.
- No public ticket sales to any Big Ten football game — the conference is discussing ways to allow family members of athletes and staff into the stands.
Testing Protocols:
- Daily rapid tests.
- Screening for myocarditis and other cardiac issues.
- Athletes who test positive won’t be able to return to practice for at least 21 days and must be cleared by a cardiologist.
- If more than 5% of the team tests positive, practice and competition will be halted for at least 7 days.
