AUSTIN, Texas – Texas football fans can breathe a sigh of relief – at least temporarily. During an 11 a.m. press conference Wednesday, it was announced Big 12 presidents took no action at a meeting the day prior, allowing the season to start September 26.
On Tuesday, the Big Ten announced it had canceled fall sports in a mid-day announcement, and the Pac-12 followed suit a few hours later.
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It’s anticipated the ACC and SEC will go forward with fall athletics, which will likely keep college football from being canceled entirely.
"Our guys are really excited. We understand all of the health and safety challenges and appreciate everything our medical team is doing here, but probably the worst thing about all of this has been the uncertainty," said Head Coach Tom Herman. "It has been very hard on our players mentally, and they’ve done a great job fighting through it."
“We’re very happy that the Big 12 is following the medical advice that has been presented to them," said UT Quarterbak Sam Ehlinger. "We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue to practice and develop, and we hope that they continue to listen to our medical professionals and the guidance that they’re given. It’s been incredible to be involved in the process."
The University of Texas at Austin has spent thousands of dollars on protective equipment designed to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, and there will be strict distancing protocols in place.
In addition to Texas, the Big 12, headquartered in Irving, Texas, includes Baylor University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, West Virginia University, Iowa State University, University of Kansas, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Kansas State University.