Big Ten football media day live updates: Kevin Warren says expansion ‘world we live in.’

Big Ten football coaches entering 2021 season

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INDIANAPOLIS — The 2021 Big Ten Football Media Days kicked off Thursday morning at Lucas Oil Stadium, and with the season just weeks away, the event provided players and coaches the chance to preview what fans can look forward to this fall. 

Day one kicks off with a news conference with commissioner Kevin Warren followed by sessions with coaches right after. On Thursday, players and coaches from Minnesota, Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Penn State, Northwestern and Michigan will be made available.  

© Charles Rex Arbogast, AP Kevin Warren will be the first speaker at the podium during the Big Ten’s media days. The league’s commissioner speaks starting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

More: See where Big Ten football media think IU, Purdue will finish in 2021

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The media days will conclude on Friday with representatives from (in order of appearance) Rutgers, Michigan State, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Purdue and Ohio State. 

IndyStar reporters Zach Osterman, Brian Haenchen and J.L. Kirven are at Lucas Oil and will provide updates throughout the day.

(Hit refresh for updates.)

10:55 a.m. — Kevin Warren on conference expansion

The Big Ten commissioner was asked about reports of Texas and Oklahoma exploring a move from the Big 12 to the SEC and conference expansion in general.

“That’s the world we live in right now. From where we sit, we’re always constantly evaluating what’s in the best interests of the conference. It will be interesting to see that story, how that evolves and where it lands.”

10:30 a.m. — Barry Alvarez named Big Ten football special advisor

Barry Alvarez has been named Special Advisor for Football with the Big Ten, conference commissioner Kevin Warren announced during Big Ten media days on Thursday. 

The former Wisconsin head football coach and director of athletics will begin his new role on Aug. 2.

“He means everything to this conference and we’re so grateful that he’s agreed to join us at the conference office,” Warren said of Alvarez, who stepped down following 32 years with the Badgers in June. “He will be working on projects such as potential expansion, building relationships with our media partners, health and safety issues, scheduling issues and bold partnerships.”

Alvarez compiled a record of 119-74-4 over 16 seasons (1990-2005) as Wisconsin football coach. One of 16 football coaches in Big Ten history to win at least 100 games at one school, he led UW to three Rose Bowl victories and coached a Heisman Trophy winner (running back Ron Dayne, 1999).

Alvarez, who retired from coaching after the 2005 season, was named athletic director in 2004. The Badgers won a combined 16 team national titles and 74 conference regular-season or tournament crowns under his watch. 

“Barry has been blessed with an illustrious career in college athletics and his impact on college football and the Big Ten Conference has been significant,” said Warren. “He understands the history and traditions of the Big Ten. I trust Barry and we look forward to working with him on relevant football-related issues and building upon the strong relationships we have with the College Football Playoff, our broadcast and bowl partners, as well as our member institutions and student-athletes.”

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Big Ten football media day live updates: Kevin Warren says expansion ‘world we live in.’