The Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) voted unanimously to resume the football season starting the weekend of Oct. 23-24.
According to the Big Ten, student-athletes, coaches and other athletic staff will undergo antigen testing.
“Everyone associated with the Big Ten should be very proud of the groundbreaking steps that are now being taken to better protect the health and safety of the student-athletes and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jim Borchers, head team physician, The Ohio State University and co-chair of the Return to Competition Task Force medical subcommittee.
Daily testing will begin by Sept. 30, 2020.
Eventually, all Big Ten sports will require testing protocols before they can resume competition.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank released the following statement following the Big Ten's announcement this morning.
"The health and safety of our student-athletes and coaching staff has always been my biggest concern when thinking about playing a Big Ten Football season this year. These concerns led the Big Ten Council of Chancellors and Presidents to postpone the season in August," said Blank.
Also in her statement, Blank said medical advisors have set up clear protocols for testing, isolation, and return to play.
"Above all, I support our coaches and student-athletes and want them to have the opportunity to safely compete, if possible. I believe the plan put forward by the Return to Competition Committee, with its extensive safety protocols and tight controls, allows that to happen," said Blank.
