In an effort to allow for more roster flexibility, Big Ten teams will be permitted to travel with four additional players than they previously were allowed beginning this season. The rule change was made in reaction to the NCAA’s new redshirt rule, as confirmed by an update on Twitter from the Big Ten Network.
New this year, and just announced, @B1Gfootball has upped players allowed to travel to 74; it used to be 70.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 27, 2018
Coaches will like this, especially with the new redshirt rule. pic.twitter.com/bQ9AjRm8WV
Starting this year, players will be allowed to appear in up to four games without risking a year of their eligibility. In the past, a player would burn a year of their eligibility simply by stepping on the field for as little as one play. Now, a player can appear in up to four games without having to burn a redshirt year. Because of that new roster flexibility benefitting the player and the potential health of a team, the Big Ten will allow for a little more room on the traveling rosters.
The rule is a Big Ten rule, as each conference is able to set the limits on how many traveling players can attend road games.