Big Ten's 'Flex Protect Plus' schedule model brings new matchups in 2024.
The Big Ten will introduce a new football schedule model called "Flex Protect Plus" in 2024, which includes 11 protected matchups across the conference, eliminates divisions, and targets a robust overall rotation as the league expands to 16 members with USC and UCLA. The model maintains a nine-game league schedule and contains both guaranteed annual matchups and rotating ones. The division-less model will feature the top two teams competing in the Big Ten championship game.