Big Ten holds off on nonconference scheduling changes amid playoff talks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 10:32 PM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti announced that any adjustments to the conference's nonconference scheduling policy will wait until playoff expansion decisions are made. Currently, the Big Ten does not require teams to schedule games against Power Four programs. The conference is advocating for a 24-team playoff format instead of the existing 12-team system. Many coaches in the conference are open to a scheduling requirement, contingent on playoff revisions. The standardization of scheduling practices is also being discussed among Big Ten coaches, reflecting broader changes in college football.
- •The Big Ten is the only major conference without a nonconference scheduling requirement.
- •Tony Petitti emphasizes focusing on playoff clarity before scheduling changes.
- •Many Big Ten teams have not scheduled Power Four opponents this season.
- •Coaches express varying opinions on implementing scheduling requirements.
- •The SEC and ACC are adopting nine-game league schedules, affecting conference dynamics.
- 10:32 PMYahoo Sports — Big Ten seeking clarity on playoff expansion before addressing its nonconference scheduling policy
"The Big Ten appears to be in no hurry to change its status as the only major conference that doesn’t require its schools to schedule at least one nonconference game against another Power Four member each year. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said this week at the Big Ten media days event that any proposed scheduling decisions would have to wait until a final decision comes on playoff expansion. The Big Ten is pushing for a 24-team approach to replace the current 12-team format.
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