Big 12 Announces Use of Rapid COVID-19 Testing Ahead of 2020 CFB Season

On the eve of the Big 12 football season, the conference has announced it will utilize a rapid COVID-19 test.

The Big 12 will be using "Quidel Rapid Antigen tests which allows for 15-minute results and batch testing capabilities."

After announcing that it would move forward with a football season in the fall, the Big 12 implemented a health and safety policy in August that requires three coronavirus tests per week for each program.

"Partnering with Virtual Care for Families provides a turn-key solution to antigen testing and ensures consistent, conference-wide protocols," said Edward Stewart, the Big 12's executive associate commissioner, in a press release Friday.

Quidel's antigen test received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in May.

As part of the Big 12's adjusted schedule amid the coronavirus pandemic, teams were permitted to schedule one nonconference game that must be played before Sept. 26. Seven programs will open their seasons Saturday.

Teams will open Big 12 play Sept. 26. Each team will play nine conference games through Dec. 5, followed by the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 12 or 19.