Commissioner Kevin Warren on Thursday said league presidents and chancellors last month agreed that each institution would determine its policies for dealing with COVID-19.
“Our schools are finalizing their proposed policies and procedures for the fall,” Warren said at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Big Ten in 2020 initially canceled its fall football season, before bringing it back under very stringent COVID-19 protocols for players who test positive.
Warren, delivering his first media days speech as league commissioner after last year’s event was canceled, described 2020 as a challenging year but one he’s thankful for, as it helped him build and strengthen relationships in the conference.
“If we put them at the epicenter of our decisions, we’re going to be OK,” Warren said.
Asked about Texas and Oklahoma possibly looking to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, Warren said the Big Ten has had internal discussions about items such as realignment, noting that the league is in the information-gathering stage.
Warren on Thursday also announced former Wisconsin coach and athletic director Barry Alvarez will be joining the Big Ten as a special adviser for football.