Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany says making freshmen ineligible in college football and basketball could help correct the imbalance between athletics and academics.

The 12-page letter sent to media members Friday reiterated why Delany believes a so-called year of readiness would be beneficial at this "critical moment in the evolution of intercollegiate athletics."

Delany says the letter is not a proposal. He did, however, lay out a plan to raise scholarship limits in FBS football and Division I men's basketball and add scholarships in women's sports to be compliant with Title IX.

The increased costs would be covered with money from TV and media rights deals for the College Football Playoff and NCAA men's basketball tournament.