Intensifying Rivalry Between Big Ten and SEC in College Football

The 2026 college football season promises to heighten the rivalry between the Big Ten and the SEC. Figures at SEC media days argue for the inclusion of all 16 SEC teams in the College Football Playoff. They propose honoring a 17th member, emphasizing strength of schedule. Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, and Greg Sankey assert that SEC teams are inherently superior, needing more respect from the Playoff selection committee.

SEC Must Prove Its Worth

The call for respect overlooks the SEC’s poor track record against Power Four teams in the playoffs. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema reminds them of this reality. During Big Ten media days, Bielema criticized SEC commissioner Sankey’s attempts to ‘protect’ the conference by living in a past era.

Sankey, I know he’s gotta protect the SEC and they kinda wanna live in 2005 forever.

Bielema highlights two major changes in college football: the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). These factors have equalized the playing field. He notes the SEC’s possible financial advantages before NIL.

NIL has transformed player recruitment. Bielema shares examples of players choosing Illinois for NIL opportunities who might not have otherwise.

An Evolving World

Bielema explains that recent team changes result from the transfer rule and NIL. He adds:

The quarterback I have now, we would not have gotten five years ago. Neither would my other key players.

This wasn’t Bielema’s first clash with the SEC. He responded to Nick Saban, former Alabama head coach, over Saban’s defense of the conference. Saban stated winning championships isn’t the only measure of conference strength.

Winning the National Championship doesn’t define the best conference. A top conference is defined by the quality of teams.

Bielema responded, referencing Illinois’s victories over South Carolina and Tennessee, agreeing with Saban’s perspective.

SEC’s Overrated Depth

The SEC’s ‘depth’ has been overrated, as shown by Missouri and Tennessee’s performance. Missouri failed to beat any team with a winning record in 2026. Yet, they were ranked because of their SEC affiliation. Similarly, Tennessee didn’t beat a winning team, but their logo provided ‘depth’ points.

The SEC’s record against other Power Four conferences in the NIL era stands at 2-7, while the Big Ten is 9-3. The SEC must catch up. Bret Bielema serves as a reminder of the need for improvement.