Big Ten expands replay transparency amid controversy over Michigan finish

Key Points:

• The Big Ten Conference is expanding its enhanced replay review program to include live audio between referees and replay officials, video footage of reviews, and views inside the Big Ten Replay Center for all conference games in the 2026 season and select non-conference home games officiated by Big Ten crews.
• This expansion follows controversy from Michigan's 13-12 win over Western Michigan, where replay officials restored one second to the clock for a last-second Hail Mary, a decision disputed by Western Michigan and many viewers.
• The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has formally appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff, arguing that replay protocol was improperly followed by using the replay system clock instead of the program feed clock, which would have meant Western Michigan won the game.
• The MAC requests that Western Michigan be recognized as the actual winner for ranking and selection purposes and seeks corrective actions from the governing bodies.
• Nebraska's upcoming non-conference games against Bowling Green and North Dakota will feature the new enhanced replay review procedures starting this Saturday.