According to McMurphy’s report, the conference is mulling ending the requirement that Big Ten programs must schedule their non-conference games against Power 5 teams, instead allowing a whole new batch of possibilities to enter the mix.
“The Big Ten is ‘strongly considering’ removing its requirement for league teams to play a Power Five nonconference team, starting in 2024, sources told Action Network,” wrote McMurphy. “Big Ten teams also would be allowed to continue scheduling Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponents, sources said.”
Additionally, the decision would of course coincide with the addition of the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins to the Big Ten. McMurphy added some more context regarding the potential scheduling format of the conference, including that they’re expected to continue with a nine-game league schedule, “unless something crazy happens.”
“In 2024, the Big Ten grows to a 16-team league with the additions of USC and UCLA. Although the league’s scheduling format has not been officially determined, the Big Ten is expected to continue with a nine-game league schedule ‘unless something crazy happens,’ a source said,” reported McMurphy.
“If the change is made, Big Ten teams could still schedule games against Power Five non-conference opponents, but it would no longer be required.”