The rivalry between the Big Ten and SEC in college football is set to become fiercer by 2026. Recently, several key figures at SEC media days underscored this tension, advocating for the conference’s teams in the College Football Playoff. They argued for the inclusion of all 16 SEC teams, humorously suggesting even an honorary 17th member for fairness in scheduling strength. Prominent voices like Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, and Greg Sankey touted SEC teams as superior despite losses or poor performances, criticizing the College Football Playoff selection committee for not granting the conference deserved respect.

“Perception is reality, and the SEC must start winning again before it continues to assert its dominance.”

Overlooked amidst these claims is a stark reality: the SEC lacks the winning record against other Power Four teams to justify its demands. Bret Bielema, head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, reminded everyone of this. At Big Ten media days, Bielema criticized SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, suggesting the conference yearns for a bygone era.

Bielema stated, “Greg Sankey, I know he’s gotta protect the SEC and they kinda wanna live in 2005 forever.” He emphasized the game’s evolution, driven by two factors: the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. These have balanced the playing field. Bielema noted, although SEC might have held a financial edge pre-NIL, its status has shifted.

Bielema provided examples of player recruitment impacted by NIL agreements. “The last three years, the quarterback I have now, we would not have gotten in the world that existed five years ago. Neither would my left tackle, my left guard, my center, and my right tackle,” he explained. He stressed that changes from the transfer rule and NIL have transformed team rosters.

Bielema’s comments weren’t limited to Sankey. He also referenced Nick Saban, Alabama’s former head coach, who recently testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In this session, Saban shifted course from past SEC claims, suggesting winning championships alone doesn’t define conference strength. Instead, he highlighted the number of strong teams.

“Whoever wins the National Championship doesn’t define who has the best conference,” Saban stated. “I think the best conference is defined by how many good teams you have from top to bottom.”

Bielema highlighted Saban’s comments with examples like Illinois’ victories over South Carolina and Tennessee, implicitly criticizing SEC’s perceived depth. Missouri and Tennessee failed to beat teams with winning records in 2026. Despite this, they received rankings due to their SEC affiliation, hinting at inflated conference depth perception.

Ultimately, data speaks volumes. During the NIL era, the SEC’s record against other Power Four conferences is 2-7 in the College Football Playoff, while the Big Ten stands at 9-3. Bret Bielema consistently emphasizes the SEC’s decline post-NIL. His insights underline a shifting dynamic in college football competition.