Sources: Big Ten commissioner prefers spring college football season

Big Ten presidents are expected to meet Saturday afternoon to discuss the future of the conference’s fall sports seasons, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told the USA TODAY Network. 

And it’s possible a spring football season could be on the table.

Both sources were briefed about the call but were not authorized to speak publicly about it. The call was previously scheduled, and was not an emergency call, the sources said. However, the topic of conversation has shifted to the college football season. 

Going into the call, the sources were told Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren preferred a spring football season, although no decision had been made.

An email to the Big Ten was not immediately returned. 

The presidents meeting comes hours after the Mid-American Conference became the first from the FBS to cancel its fall college football season in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MAC will instead pursue a spring football season, commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said Saturday in a conference call.

Iowa opened fall camp Friday. On Saturday, after the MAC's announcement, the Big Ten announced all schools must remain in the helmets and shorts phase of practice. It's unclear when full-padded practice will begin.

Contact David Jesse: 313-222-8851 or djesse@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @reporterdavidj