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It turns out that the Big Ten is serious about playing a winter season — not even planning to wait for the spring.
While commissioner Kevin Warren was steadfast in his Wednesday statement that he and the conference presidents and chancellors will not reverse course on a potential fall season, it seems that the Big Ten powers-that-be are galvanizing behind the idea of getting a season in sooner than later.
So could there be Big Ten football in January? It seems to be trending that way, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Multiple college football people told the Journal Sentinel Tuesday afternoon that Big Ten officials have decided to start the season as early as possible.
That decision would allow players to finish their season before the 2021 NFL draft, currently scheduled to be held April 29 through May 1.
Naturally, several hurdles will need to be cleared. Including where the teams will play.
It’s untenable that the teams would have games in their home stadiums in the most brutal months weather-wise in the Big Ten footprint. But those with voting power are starting to favor Ohio State head coach Ryan Day’s proposal of starting as early as possible.
Take this from Nebraska’s chancellor:
.@RonnieDGreen says there’s a “growing level enthusiasm” amongst the Presidents about staging a successful season in the winter.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 19, 2020
According to the Journal Sentinel, Penn State AD Sandy Barbour indicated that we could see a potential schedule ‘within a week or so.’
If that’s the case, would those who seek answers be more satiated? What about those players who might not otherwise play? Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield was the first of the postponed conferences to declare for the NFL draft.
But perhaps a plan and some clarity could help alleviate some concerns.