The Power Shift in College Football: Big Ten & SEC’s Growing Influence
The balance of power in college football is shifting even further toward the Big Ten and SEC, and a recent report by Ross Dellenger highlights how these two conferences are solidifying their dominance. This latest development could leave conferences like the Big 12 and ACC fighting for relevance in the new college football landscape.
Key Takeaways from Ross Dellenger’s Report
- Big Ten & SEC Expansion of Power: These conferences are pushing for four automatic bids each in the College Football Playoff (CFP) starting in 2026.
- A New Playoff Format?: A 14 or 16-team model is being considered, giving major advantages to the SEC and Big Ten while potentially limiting opportunities for the Big 12, ACC, and Group of Five (G5) teams.
- Meeting in New Orleans: Athletic directors from the SEC and Big Ten are gathering to discuss the future of the CFP. Meanwhile, Big 12 and ACC officials are holding their own meetings, though their influence appears to be shrinking.
- Power Struggle: The Big 12 and ACC previously conceded governance authority of the CFP to the SEC and Big Ten, a decision that now seems like a major mistake.
- Media & TV Influence: ESPN’s role in shaping the landscape remains controversial, with reports suggesting even they are concerned about alienating entire regions of the country.
What This Means for the Future of College Football
- More Playoff Spots for the Power 2
- If the 4-4-2-2-1-1 model is implemented, the SEC and Big Ten would each get four automatic bids, while the Big 12 and ACC would get just two each.
- The G5 would get one, and Notre Dame would likely take another.
- Devaluation of Other Conferences
- The Big 12 and ACC may struggle to get a third team into the CFP under this format, further widening the revenue and recruiting gap.
- The G5 could become even more isolated, with even fewer opportunities for top teams.
- Potential Breakaway Playoff
- The SEC and Big Ten have long threatened to form their own playoff, and this move feels like another step in that direction.
- Call for Action Among Big 12 & ACC Fans
- Fans of these conferences need to support their teams by watching Big 12 and ACC games instead of feeding into the dominance of the SEC and Big Ten.
- There’s a push for more aggressive decision-making from Big 12 and ACC leadership, including potential private equity investments to stay competitive.
Final Thoughts
This report reinforces what many have feared: the SEC and Big Ten are taking complete control of college football, and the other conferences may struggle to keep up. While there’s still time for the Big 12 and ACC to push back, their window of opportunity is closing fast.
What do you think? Should the Big 12 and ACC fight back, or is this power shift inevitable? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
🔗 Stay Updated: Check out the full article from Ross Dellenger (link in the description).
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