Jon Wilner has been covering college sports for decades and is an AP top-25 football and basketball voter as well as a Heisman Trophy voter. He was named Beat Writer of the Year in 2013 by the Football Writers Association of America for his coverage of the Pac-12, won first place for feature writing in 2016 in the Associated Press Sports Editors writing contest and is a five-time APSE honoree.
The three conferences have joined together to work for the common good of college sports and maybe even schedule a few games and delay expansion of the playoff.
The conference has at least seven berths available and could collect one more if the Bay Area-based Redbox Bowl returns to life following a hiatus in 2020.
From the College Football Playoff to the Heisman Trophy, from the Pac-12 Networks streaming deals to the expansion options, we take stock of the top issues in 2021.
The conference is treating vaccinated players differently than unvaccinated players as it attempts to navigate the Delta wave and complete a full season.
The latest data shows seven teams have vaccinated at least 90% of their rosters. The season begins in two weeks, and forfeits could be recorded if COVID causes cancellations.
The three conferences are discussing a partnership that could allow them to vote as a bloc on important matters involving the College Football Playoff.