Big Ten expected to announce fall football season starting Oct. 24

The Big Ten is likely coming back this fall on Oct. 24.

College football hasn’t felt quite the same this season, likely due to the fact that 40 percent of Power 5 conferences decided to sit the season out amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The Big Ten and league President Kevin Warren were originally sticking to their guns and resisting the urge to implement a season, but it appears as if Warren has had a change of heart.

Pete Thamel has confirmed that the Big Ten is expected to announce a 2020 season, which will start in late October, in the coming hours. The conference is also expected to agree to a rigorous COVID-19 testing protocol. Brett McMurphy is reporting that the conference championship game will likely be held on December 19.

Protests from parents and politicians alike helped spur this decision from the Big Ten

While Warren made the decision to cancel the fall season after listening to concerned medical experts, there was too much momentum going against him. Not only did players, their parents, and several schools all separately voice their displeasure with the canceled season, but President Trump even made his feelings known on the matter, vouching for a Big Ten season.

There is some optimism that the Big Ten’s decision to play could spur the Pac-12, the only Power 5 conference that has yet to confirm a fall football season, to start up a shortened season of their own. After several USC players sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsome, the Pac-12 might get a season of their own in the near future, thus giving us full participation from Power 5 schools.

While a season of around eight or nine games isn’t ideal for anyone, and several big names have already opted out, some Big Ten football is better than none. Should the COVID-19 protocols be adhered to, this is a massive win for college football fans across the country.