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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 9:35 GMT by Associated Press

Big Ten Announces Key Revisions to Player Rules and Conference Policies

WASHINGTON—The Big Ten Conference announced a suite of changes today that will reshape how member schools manage athlete scholarships, transfers, and health protocols. The conference, which boasts 14 member universities across the Midwest and Northeast, said the updates will take effect beginning with the 2024‑25 academic year.

New Scholarship Limits for Football

At the core of the announcement is a new scholarship limit for football teams. The conference will increase the maximum number of scholarships a school can award from 85 to 90, a move the league says is designed to keep its member programs competitive on the national stage. “We recognize that the talent pipeline is evolving,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren. “By raising the scholarship ceiling, we’re ensuring that all 14 schools can attract and retain top talent without compromising academic standards.”

Warren also highlighted that the change would be phased in over three seasons to give schools time to adjust budgets and recruiting strategies. The conference will work with the NCAA to secure necessary approvals, and the NCAA is expected to vote on the proposal at its December meeting.

Revised Transfer Portal Guidelines

The conference also unveiled new rules for the NCAA transfer portal, an online database that lets student‑athletes request a transfer to another school. The Big Ten’s updated policy will:

• Extend the transfer window: Athletes who enter the portal between October 1 and December 31 will be required to remain at their current school until the next academic year unless they are granted a waiver.
• Implement a waiting period: Once a student has entered the portal, they must wait until the following January 1 to be eligible to play at a new school.
• Limit transfer attempts: A player may transfer only once per academic year, a restriction intended to discourage rapid, short‑term moves.

“This change will promote stability and fairness,” Warren noted. “It protects the integrity of our conferences and provides student‑athletes with a clear, structured path if they decide to move.”

Athletic directors from several schools have welcomed the new framework. “We’re happy to see the conference stepping up to address a problem that has plagued college sports for years,” said Michigan State’s athletic director Mike Lenz. “The policy gives us a more predictable environment for scholarship planning and team building.”

Updated COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Protocols

In addition to scholarship and transfer changes, the Big Ten introduced a revamped COVID-19 testing schedule. Beginning with the fall 2024 season, teams must conduct daily rapid tests for all athletes, staff, and coaching personnel. Positive cases will trigger a 10‑day isolation period and a “contact tracing” protocol that limits team interaction until the next scheduled practice.

Vaccination mandates have been lifted, but the conference will maintain a voluntary booster program. “Students are no longer required to be vaccinated to participate,” Warren explained. “However, boosters remain strongly recommended for anyone who is eligible and wants to maintain the highest level of safety.”

The Big Ten’s decision aligns with the NCAA’s own updated health guidelines released last month, which call for flexible testing and booster options while prioritizing mental and physical well‑being.

Reactions from Member Schools

The announcement has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and cautious optimism among member institutions. Ohio State’s head football coach Luke Fickell praised the scholarship increase. “This will help us remain competitive,” he said. “It gives us a chance to bring in more high‑profile recruits without having to cut spots elsewhere.”

Conversely, some smaller schools, such as Wisconsin‑Milwaukee and Purdue, expressed concern over the additional financial burden. “We need to ensure that the increase is matched by financial support,” said the University of Wisconsin‑Milwaukee’s athletic director, Susan Kincaid. “Without additional funding, the higher scholarship cap could strain our budgets.”

The transfer portal changes were met with widespread approval. “The new rules will reduce the turnover rate across all sports,” said the University of Michigan’s director of player development. “It will allow us to focus on long‑term athlete development.”

Looking Ahead

The Big Ten’s revisions come amid a broader national conversation about athlete welfare, recruiting practices, and conference competitiveness. By addressing scholarship limits, transfer procedures, and health protocols, the league is positioning itself to remain a leading force in collegiate athletics.

Commissioner Warren concluded the announcement by stressing the conference’s commitment to student‑athletes. “We’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our athletes, our schools, and the fans,” he said. “These changes are a testament to our dedication to fair play and competitive excellence.”

The conference will release detailed implementation guidelines in the coming weeks, and schools are encouraged to review the new regulations closely. The Big Ten remains open to feedback, and a public comment period will be held before finalization of the policies.