Nonconference games are an ongoing talking point in the sport, particularly after two seasons of the 12-team College Football Playoff. Texas was at the center of debates last year.

The Longhorns went 9-3, missing out on the CFP. However, one of those losses came in their season opener at Ohio State.

Had UT gone 10-2 and played a low-level nonconference opponent instead of OSU, the Longhorns likely would’ve gotten into the playoff field. However, that argument is tainted by Texas’ defeat at Florida – a bad loss that could’ve been prevented and gotten UT into the field at 10-2.

“The most important thing is try to win all your games,” Bjork said. “Put yourself in the best position to win all of your games. If you’re in a high-impact league like the Big Ten, you’re going to be in a great spot – 12-0, 11-1 and even 10-2.”

The future structure of the CFP could help determine whether teams preserve big-time nonconference games.

Various expansion formats have been shared, highlighted by 16- and 24-team fields actively being discussed. With a bigger field comes an increased margin for error, allowing teams to get into the field with more losses, particularly if conferences have more automatic bids.

The field will remain at 12 teams for the 2026 season, with the Big Ten and SEC at an impasse. The former favors a 24-team field while the latter prefers 16. One option on the table is a few years of a 16-team field before an expansion to 24.

Bjork said ADs in the Big Ten meet regularly, speaking often with commissioner Tony Petitti. At the core of expansion talk, Bjork sees opportunity for more content.

While some believe an expanded CFP would diminish regular season games, Bjork thinks it would accomplish the opposite.

“You actually keep the regular season way more active for way more teams where everyone’s alive,” Bjork said.

Conference championship games would likely hang in the balance with an expanded field, but that could be offset by play-in games, opening the door for more revenue streams in an era where schools are paying athletes directly.

Other facets, such as the college football calendar, would factor into expansion talks. But it’s evident change is imminent, which could bode well for premier nonconference games while also providing more postseason contests.

“The conversation is going to continue,” Bjork said. “It’s not just going to die and we’re at 12 for forever. There’s going to be continued conversation, and I hope that Ohio State has a voice in that, the Big Ten has a voice in that.”