Big Ten set to begin in October, a big win for 2021 NFL Draft prospects

2021 NFL Draft prospects get good news with return of Big Ten.

There will be a 2020 Big Ten season, with widespread reports indicating the conference is set to begin play in October. As some 2021 NFL Draft prospects such as Wyatt Davis, Shaun Wade, Pat Freiermuth, and Rashawn Slater have opted out; it will be interesting to see if any choose to opt back in.

Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel reported the conference is due to kick-off its campaign on the weekend of October 24. Its plan will include daily, rapid testing for COVID-19. An official announcement from the conference is expected later on Wednesday.

Justin Fields gets his wish

The Big Ten postponed its 2020 season back in August and had been said to be targeting returning to play in the spring. However, it has come under pressure to go back on that decision and play in the fall, with Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields a leading voice in the #WeWanttoPlay campaign.

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It appears Fields and scores of Big Ten athletes determined to play in the fall will now get their wish, with the imminent announcement set to leave the Pac-12 as the only Power Five conference not scheduled to play in 2020 after its season was postponed.

The decision by the Big Ten gives Fields the chance to pad his resume ahead of his likely declaration for the 2021 NFL Draft. The Buckeyes quarterback ended a stellar 2019 season seen as a potential challenger to Trevor Lawrence to be the first overall pick in the draft.

Fields was third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2019 behind Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts. However, while Fields is set to feature in the 2020 season, a host of high-profile Big Ten players will not be on the field when the campaign kicks off having already opted out and declared for the draft.

Prospects who look for a rise

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, wideouts Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) and Rondale Moore (Purdue), and Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade are among those to have prematurely finished their collegiate careers.

But the decision to play will serve as a significant boost for others aiming to improve their draft stock including Buckeye wide receiver Chris Olave, Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Penn State running back Journey Brown.