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Source: CBS Sports
Summary
Urban Meyer, a coach with national championships in both the Big Ten and SEC, stated on “Big Noon Kickoff” that the Big Ten is currently the best conference. He cited the Big Ten’s 4-0 record against the SEC in College Football Playoff games and four of five non-playoff bowl wins. Meyer also noted the Big Ten had more first-round NFL Draft picks than the SEC in 2025. The Big Ten sent four teams to the 2024 playoff and three in 2025, including Indiana and Ohio State, which reached the semifinals.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
The Big Ten has been winning more lately.
SEC used to dominate, but now it’s the Big Ten.
Urban Meyer says it’s the best now.
The Big Ten has more first-round picks and playoff teams.
Author: Evan Null
Urban Meyer’s Take on the Big Ten vs. SEC Debate
Urban Meyer, a coach who has won national championships in both the Big Ten and the SEC, has made his stance clear on which conference is better. He said the Big Ten has taken over from the SEC, which had dominated college football for years.
Meyer pointed to the Big Ten’s recent success, including four wins against the SEC in College Football Playoff games and four out of five non-playoff bowl games. He also highlighted the Big Ten’s performance in the NFL Draft, where it had more first-round picks than the SEC in 2025.
The Big Ten sent four teams to the 2024 College Football Playoff, the first year of the 12-team format. In 2025, it sent three teams, with Indiana and Ohio State earning first-round byes.
Indiana and Ohio State both reached the semifinals in 2025, with Indiana winning the national title. The Big Ten also had four of the top 10 NFL Draft picks, including quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall selection.
Meyer’s experience with both conferences gives his opinion weight. He coached in the SEC at Florida, winning two national titles, and in the Big Ten at Ohio State, where he had a 83-9 record over seven seasons.
The Big Ten’s Rise in College Football
The Big Ten has been on the rise in recent years, with more playoff appearances and national titles. Before 2023, a Big Ten team hadn’t won the national championship since 2014, when Meyer was coaching Ohio State.
Now, the Big Ten has three teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25, with eight teams in the Top 25 overall. Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana are among the top-ranked teams.
Meyer’s comments reflect the growing confidence in the Big Ten. He said the conference is now the strongest, based on both on-field success and NFL Draft performance.
The SEC used to be the dominant force, but the Big Ten has made significant strides. With more playoff teams and top NFL Draft picks, the Big Ten is now seen as the best conference.
Meyer’s analysis is based on recent results, not just past dominance. He believes the Big Ten has taken over from the SEC in both college football and the NFL.
Urban Meyer’s Background in Both Conferences
Meyer has a long history in both the Big Ten and the SEC. He coached in the SEC at Florida from 2005 to 2010, winning two national championships and two SEC titles.
At Ohio State, Meyer had a successful run from 2012 to 2018, with an 83-9 record and at least 10 wins in every season. He won three national championships during his time there.
Meyer’s experience gives him credibility when discussing the strengths of both conferences. He has seen the SEC dominate for years, but now he sees the Big Ten as the stronger conference.
His comments on “Big Noon Kickoff” reflect a shift in power in college football. The Big Ten is no longer just a secondary conference; it’s now the top one.
Meyer’s perspective is valuable because he has won in both conferences. His opinion that the Big Ten is now the best is backed by recent results and performance.
The Big Ten’s Performance in the NFL Draft
The Big Ten’s dominance isn’t just on the field. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the conference had more first-round picks than the SEC. This is a significant shift from previous years, when the SEC had a clear edge.
Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback, was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. This marked the first time a Big Ten player was the top pick since 2008.
Four of the top 10 selections in the draft were from the Big Ten. This includes Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, and linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles.
This performance in the NFL Draft shows that the Big Ten is producing top talent. It’s another indicator that the conference is the best in college football.
Meyer’s comments about the Big Ten’s strength in the draft support his claim that it’s now the top conference. The results are clear, and the numbers back it up.
The Big Ten’s Current Standing in College Football
Entering the 2026 season, the Big Ten has three teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25. Eight teams from the conference are in the Top 25 overall, including Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, USC, Michigan, Washington, Penn State, and Iowa.
This shows the depth of the Big Ten. It’s not just the top teams that are strong; the entire conference is competitive. This depth is a key factor in its success.
The Big Ten’s recent playoff appearances and national titles have helped its reputation. With more teams in the Top 25, the conference is seen as the strongest in college football.
Meyer’s comments reflect this growing perception. He believes the Big Ten is now the best conference, based on both on-field performance and NFL Draft results.
The shift from the SEC to the Big Ten as the top conference is a major development in college football. The Big Ten is now the standard to beat.
