In a move that could reshape the landscape of college football, the Big 12 has announced it will start issuing public availability reports for all conference games this season, according to sources close to the decision.

Following a unanimous vote by athletic directors, this initiative joins the ranks of other powerhouse conferences like the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC, which have implemented similar reporting systems akin to the NFL's injury updates.

Here’s how it works: Big 12 football teams will be required to submit daily availability reports three days before game day, with a final update coming just 90 minutes ahead of kickoff. Players will be categorized as 'available', 'probable', 'questionable', 'doubtful', or 'out'—a structure designed for clarity and fairness.

In addition to football, men's and women's basketball programs will also adopt this reporting structure, classifying players as 'available', 'game-time decision', or 'out'.

This season marks a significant step for the Big 12, as it aligns with the Big Ten, which was the first power conference to mandate football availability reports in 2023. Following suit, the SEC will implement its own system beginning in 2024.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized that these measures aim to ease outside pressures on student-athletes and promote transparency while protecting the integrity of competition. He stated that players will be listed with designations similar to the Big 12 prior to game day, transitioning to 'game time decision' or 'out' on the day of the game.

Likewise, the ACC will also begin utilizing availability reports for the first time this season, categorizing players as 'available', 'questionable', 'doubtful', or 'out', with updates provided 48 hours before games, the day before, and then two hours prior to kickoff.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips remarked that the introduction of these reports is crucial in alleviating the pressures faced by student-athletes, especially in an environment increasingly influenced by gambling and sports betting.

As all major power conferences head towards these updates, fans can expect a new level of insight into player participation, potentially changing the way they engage with the game!