This past Thursday, the Big Ten announced its intentions to go conference-only for all fall sports, including football. The decision comes amid "unprecedented times" as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are facing uncertain and unprecedented times, and the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, game officials and others associated with our sports programs and campuses remain our number one priority," they said.
"... By limiting competition to other Big Ten institutions, the Conference will have the greatest flexibility to adjust its own operations throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic."
The Big Ten is the first of the Power Five conferences to make such a transition.
If college football is able to play in the fall, Big Ten presidents and athletic directors believe the conference-only model will eliminate the need for long-distance travel as well as ensure that teams are being rigorously tested for the coronavirus.