FBS independents will count as nonconference Power 5 for Big Ten

For Big Ten football teams, FBS independents Notre Dame, BYU and Army will count towards the conference's nonconference Power 5 requirements beginning in 2016.

For Big Ten football teams, FBS independents Notre Dame, BYU and Army will count towards the conference's nonconference Power 5 requirements beginning in 2016, according to a report by ESPN's Bret McMurphy.

According to the new requirements, the Big Ten will necessitate that each team in the league play a minimum of one nonconference Power 5 opponent. The ACC and SEC have also implemented similar stipulations, which will take effect in those leagues in 2016 and ’17, respectively.

In addition to Notre Dame, BYU and Army, Cincinnati and Connecticut will also count toward the Big Ten's Power 5 requirements in 2016.

Going forward, the league will allow submissions for certain non-Power 5 schools to count toward the requirement.

The Big Ten, which comprises 14 football teams, is currently the only FBS conference that is prohibiting its teams from playing FCS competitors.

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