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NCAA council approves six-week practice plan for football season

By Caleb Calhoun

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 23: The entrance to the NCAA's headquarters is seen following an announcement of sanctions against Penn State University's football program on July 23, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sanctions are a result of a report that the university concealed allegations of child sexual abuse made against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who was found guilty on 45 of 48 counts related to sexual abuse of boys over a 15-year period. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 23: The entrance to the NCAA's headquarters is seen following an announcement of sanctions against Penn State University's football program on July 23, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sanctions are a result of a report that the university concealed allegations of child sexual abuse made against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who was found guilty on 45 of 48 counts related to sexual abuse of boys over a 15-year period. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The COVID-19 pandemic may not hold back college football after all after this NCAA decision.

It looks like the NCAA has taken another step towards allowing college football season to happen. According to Heather Dinich of ESPN, the NCAA Division I Council approved the six-week practice plan that would begin in July ahead of the season.

That means that Tennessee football could start its season on time. The Vols begin things on Sept. 5 with a home game against the Charlotte 49ers. Given their schedule and the schedule of most teams, required workouts will be allowed to begin July 13, an enhanced training schedule can begin July 24, and preseason camp can begin Aug. 7.

For teams that start Week 0, the weekend before Labor Day, required workouts can begin July 6. Of course, things are also a bit tricky for the program due to conference media days. SEC Media Days, which will be held virtually this year, was scheduled for July 13. However, by nature of it being virtual, workouts on campus could still continue.

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Simply put, as everybody tries to deal with the coronavirus, the NCAA is at least coming together with a solid plan for football season to resume. Reports on what will happen with the virus heading into the Fall remain mixed at the moment, but this is a solid plan by the entity.

Last week, the Football Oversight Committee finalized this plan and sent it to the council for approval. Dinich reported that West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons, chair of the oversight committee, said the preseason limit of 110 athletes has also been removed.

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Taking all of this into account, everybody is clearly working hard to try to make sure football returns this fall. All NCAA events shut down back in March when the pandemic hit, and there has been no timeline since then. However, with the NBA set to resume its season in July and numerous pro spots back, this is another encouraging sign. Vol fans are definitely thrilled.

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