The Big Ten Conference's new media deal with Fox, NBC, and CBS has ushered in a transformative era for college football. With increased national exposure and a diverse array of marquee matchups, the conference is poised to captivate audiences across the country. As the season unfolds, the networks are working collaboratively to showcase the conference's depth and talent, from the emergence of the West Coast schools to the continued dominance of traditional powerhouses.

Unlocking the Big Ten's Potential: A Broadcast Bonanza

The Big Ten's new media deal has opened up a world of possibilities for the conference and its fans. With three major broadcast networks sharing the rights, the top games each week are now being showcased on national television, allowing the conference to reach a wider audience than ever before. "The whole design here was for the top three games every week to be on broadcast television," said CBS Sports executive vice president of programming Dan Weinberg. "And as we know, broadcast television continues to aggregate massive amounts of eyeballs for these big-time live events."

Expanding the Reach: The Impact of West Coast Additions

The addition of Oregon, Southern California, UCLA, and Washington has been a game-changer for the Big Ten. These West Coast schools have not only brought a new level of talent and competition to the conference, but they have also provided the networks with a wealth of intriguing matchups to showcase. "I think the depth and the breadth of matchups with these four additional teams coming in has provided an opportunity to spread the proverbial peanut butter around a little bit more," said Justin Byczek, NBC Sports' senior vice president of programming. "We've been able to drive the best matchups every week into our respective windows."The impact of the West Coast schools has been immediate, with Oregon rising to the top spot in the AP Top 25 and the Ducks, Penn State, and Ohio State occupying three of the top four spots. "On any given week, there are matchups on paper that would be Rose Bowls in previous years. And that's just exciting," Weinberg added.

Collaborative Approach: Maximizing the Big Ten's Potential

The networks have taken a collaborative approach in securing the best matchups for their respective windows. Fox, as the conference's primary media partner, has the top three picks in the preseason television draft each year, but it has also traded picks with NBC to ensure that the most compelling games are showcased. "We wanted to use Friday to showcase the new West Coast schools and on Saturday to go a little deeper and not have it always be Ohio State and Michigan," said Mike Mulvihill, Fox's president of insights and analytics.This collaborative effort has resulted in a diverse array of marquee matchups being featured across the networks. From the highly anticipated clash between Ohio State and Penn State to the intriguing showdown between Washington and Penn State, the Big Ten's broadcast partners are working together to maximize the conference's potential.

Emerging Storylines: Indiana's Rise and the Continued Dominance of the Powerhouses

One of the most compelling storylines of the season has been the emergence of Indiana as a force to be reckoned with. The Hoosiers' 8-0 start, their best since 1967, has earned them national recognition and a spot in the top 25. With crucial games against Michigan and Ohio State on the horizon, Indiana is poised to make a statement on the national stage.While the Hoosiers' rise has been a pleasant surprise, the continued dominance of traditional powerhouses like Ohio State and Penn State has also been a highlight of the season. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have both secured top-four rankings, showcasing the depth and talent of the Big Ten.

Maximizing Exposure: The Networks' Approach to Scheduling

The networks have taken a strategic approach to scheduling the Big Ten's games, ensuring that the conference's top matchups are featured prominently. Fox has the early afternoon window and has showcased the Big Ten with nine matchups on Friday nights, allowing the West Coast schools to shine. CBS, in its first season with the 3:30 p.m. ET slot, has already featured several high-profile Big Ten games, including a matchup between Oregon and Michigan.NBC, in its second season with the prime-time package, has also played a crucial role in elevating the Big Ten's profile. "We've been able to drive the best matchups every week into our respective windows," Byczek said.The collaborative efforts of the networks have resulted in a diverse array of Big Ten games being featured across the broadcast landscape, from the traditional powerhouses to the emerging contenders. As the season progresses, the networks will continue to work together to showcase the conference's depth and talent, captivating audiences nationwide.