Big Ten and Pac-12 cancel 2020 fall football seasons

Sep 14, 2019; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nate Stanley (4) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Greg Eisworth (12) at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten has voted to postpone its 2020 fall football season and will explore the option of playing in spring 2021, the league announced on Tuesday. The Pac-12 reportedly has come to the same conclusion, according to multiple reports and will be made official in a media teleconference this afternoon at 3:30 central.

These are the first two Power 5 dominoes to fall after the MAC and Mountain West were the first two leagues to make the move on Saturday and Monday, respectively.

Meanwhile, the SEC and ACC have reaffirmed their intent to play the 2020 season this fall while the Big 12 remains somewhat in limbo at this time.

As of now, 53 of the 130 FBS programs have been impacted by the decisions.

Regardless of the announcement, things could remain interesting in the following days after several schools, including Nebraska and Ohio State, made clear their desire to play and willingness to explore all options in order to do so.

That would be a sticky situation for any school though considering their tie-in to the Big Ten’s Grant of Rights.

Stay tuned for CF for more.

Note: This post was updated at 3:00 p.m. central time to reflect the Big Ten’s official announcement and the Pac-12’s impending announcement.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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