Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork has revealed that the Big Ten Conference is actively discussing a shift to a results-based scheduling model similar to the NFL's approach. Speaking on "The Ryan Day Show" on 97.1 The Fan, Bjork explained that the conference's current scheduling rotations were built on historical football records, but teams like Indiana and UCLA have changed dramatically in recent years.
Under the proposed dynamic model, which could take effect as early as the 2028 season, opponents would not be finalized until after the 2027 campaign. Weaker teams would receive more favorable schedules, while stronger teams would face tougher matchups. Key rivalries, such as Ohio State versus Michigan, would remain protected and played annually.
Bjork cited the parity created by name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules and the transfer portal as driving forces for the change, arguing that a dynamic system would more equitably balance strength of schedule across the league. However, he acknowledged a potential flaw: unlimited player movement each offseason creates greater roster volatility than in the NFL, where multi-year contracts provide stability.
The scheduling debate gains urgency with the upcoming expansion to a 24-team College Football Playoff, making equitable scheduling a hot topic across college athletics.
