The Big Ten is “strongly considering” removing its requirement for league teams to play a Power 5 nonconference team, starting in 2024, sources told Action Network. Big Ten teams also would be allowed to continue scheduling Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponents, sources said.
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.
If the change is made, Big Ten teams could still schedule games against Power 5 non-conference opponents, but it would no longer be required.