Big 12 to introduce NFL-style availability reports for football games this year
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Big 12 to mandate pregame player availability reports for all conference games.
- Football reports begin three days prior; basketball updates arrive night before.
- Policy aims to boost transparency amid rising fantasy sports and betting interest.
Player availability reports have been a staple in the NFL for many years.
They are also beginning to be feel commonplace in the college game.
The Big 12 announced Wednesday that it will become the latest conference to introduce player availability reports for all league games in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball starting this season. The new policy, which has been approved by all 16 schools within the conference, will include updates in the days leading up to each game as well as a final report 90 minutes prior to kickoff or tipoff.
Player availability reports are often referred to as injury reports. But these updates designate how likely it is for certain players to participate in upcoming games, not how a player is dealing with injuries.
This is a notable change for the Big 12. For decades, many coaches have protected this kind of information like nuclear launch codes. Former K-State football coach Bill Snyder, for example, was notoriously tight-lipped on player injuries.
But sharing more information with the public has become a priority with the rise in both fantasy sports and sports gambling.
All reports will be housed exclusively at the Big 12’s website. Big 12 football programs will be required to submit daily reports beginning three days before each game. Men’s and women’s basketball teams will update their availability reports the night before each contest. For football, student-athletes must be designated as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out. Basketball designations will include available, game-time decision or out.