For much of the offseason, the debate about whether college football would be played in the fall begun and ended for many when it came to the reopening of campuses across the country. How could college football be played with student-athletes if students aren’t allowed back on campus in full force?

That argument makes sense but it appears those making that case aren’t in a position to make the decision, as Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby recently explained his thoughts on the subject.

According to Bowlsby, who was interviewed by Joe Brocato of WVU Sports, campuses being open may not be a prerequisite for college football to be played in the fall — as long as online classes are available to students.

“School has to be in session because football players on college teams are student-athletes. You have to be going to college,” Bowlsby said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that if the new normal becomes online education, in part or in whole, that football players or volleyball players or soccer players couldn’t be taking classes online just like the rest of the students.

“I suspect some institutions may be a hundred percent online. And if they are, and if that is also what student-athletes are doing, I think that meets the criteria.”

That sentiment isn’t unique to the Big 12, either, as Brett McMurphy of Stadium reports. According to McMurphy, multiple league commissioners have issued similar statements when it comes to playing the upcoming college football season.

It will be fascinating to see how all this plays out in the months ahead but it definitely appears that all parties involved are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the lengths schools and conferences are willing to go to ensure that college football is played in the fall.

If nothing else, that’s promising for the outlook of the sport in 2020.