Big 12 establishes new scheduling requirements

The Big 12 Conference established new non-conference scheduling requirements Tuesday.

The Big 12 Conference established new non-conference scheduling requirements, the conference announced Tuesday.

The changes come in an effort to increase the strength of its members’ schedules.

One requirement states that its members must play at least one Power Five school or Notre Dame in their non-conference slates going forward.

Another requirement says that member schools are limited to one game per season against FCS teams. The change will not impact existing out-of-conference game contracts.

“Schedule strength is a key component in CFP Selection Committee deliberations,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said. “This move will strengthen the resumes for all Big 12 teams. Coupled with the nine-game full round robin Conference schedule our teams play, it will not only benefit the teams at the top of our standings each season, but will impact the overall strength of the Conference.”

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The Big 12’s moves come in the wake of the Big Ten’s changes this past summer, which stated that its members must play against one non-conference Power Five school per season and are no longer allowed to face FCS opponents starting next season.