SEC, Big Ten consider regular-season partnership to boost competition

USA Today

4 days ago

SEC, Big Ten consider regular-season partnership to boost competition
As the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten continue to set the pace in college football, discussions are underway about a potential partnership that could bring more regular-season matchups between the two powerhouse leagues.
The SEC and Big Ten have widened their lead over other conferences in recent years, both in terms of on-field success and national perception. The intensifying rivalry has prompted several SEC coaches to explore ways to formalize more inter-conference games, aiming to further elevate competition and national interest.
One proposal would add a ninth conference game for SEC teams, with each school playing a Big Ten opponent as part of its regular-season schedule. The move would create marquee matchups throughout the fall, such as Texas vs. Ohio State or Alabama vs. Michigan, and could have significant implications for College Football Playoff selection.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey recently addressed the idea, outlining three possible approaches: staying out of the process, facilitating the partnership, or mandating participation. Sankey told ESPN's Pete Thamel that a mandate would be 'incredibly difficult' to implement and could take years to approve, given the range of opinions among coaches and administrators.
Some SEC coaches have expressed concerns about the proposal, citing the physical toll of an already demanding conference schedule. Adding another high-level opponent could increase injury risk and potentially interfere with traditional rivalry games, particularly for Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina, which each play annual nonconference games against in-state ACC rivals.
Despite the challenges, the concept has clear competitive and commercial appeal. Regular-season SEC vs. Big Ten games would likely draw significant television ratings and provide teams with opportunities to bolster their résumés for the playoff selection committee. For programs like Texas, which has lost to Big Ten opponents in the last two postseasons—falling to Washington in 2024 and Ohio State in 2025—additional exposure to Big Ten competition could be invaluable.
The last two College Football Playoff champions have come from the Big Ten, with Michigan winning in 2024 and Ohio State taking the title in 2025. That success has only heightened the stakes for SEC teams looking to reclaim the sport's top prize.
While any formal partnership remains in the discussion phase, the possibility of more regular-season games between the SEC and Big Ten is gaining traction. As conversations continue, college football fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the sport's two most dominant conferences can strike a deal that reshapes the landscape.