There’s been a whirlwind of news this week regarding the upcoming college football season.
On Monday, the Big 12 Conference officially announced their decision to move forward with a 10-game schedule that includes nine conference games and one nonconference game.
Now that the Power Five schedules are becoming more and more finalized by the day, players are beginning to opt out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns. This brought on a whole new battle for the NCAA, who eventually assured that the athletes who choose to opt out will have their scholarships protected.
NCAA also telling its members today "If a college athlete chooses to opt out (for COVID), that individual’s athletics scholarship commitment must be honored."
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) August 5, 2020
Student-athletes will still be guaranteed tuition, books, room and board even if they do not compete. Orangebloods reported on Wednesday that Texas running back Daniel Young has not participated in offseason workouts due to COVID-19 concerns and will likely opt out of the season.
West Virginia safety Kerry Martin Jr. became the first Big 12 player to officially opt out of the upcoming season, although several players around the country are likely to follow suit.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte confirmed on Wednesday that there are zero active COVID-19 infections on campus among the five active sports.
Texas AD Chris Del Conte said there are zero active COVID-19 infections and no one is in self-isolation or quarantine in five active sports. In addition, zero positive tests in football.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) August 5, 2020
This is certainly a positive sign that the university is following all necessary health and safety precautions. The NCAA has now set up a phone line to allow athletes, parents, or others to report alleged COVID failures on campuses.