Urban Meyer Declares Big Ten the Top Conference in College Football

Urban Meyer, a former coach with national championships in both the Big Ten and SEC, has stated that the Big Ten has overtaken the SEC as the premier conference in college football. He highlighted the Big Ten's recent victories, including a 4-0 record against the SEC in College Football Playoff games and four wins in five non-College Football Playoff bowls.

Meyer noted that the Big Ten had more first-round NFL Draft picks than the SEC last year, marking a significant shift in talent distribution. In the 2024 College Football Playoff, the Big Ten sent four teams, and in 2025, three teams qualified, with Indiana and Ohio State earning top seeds.

Additionally, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall in the NFL Draft, the first Big Ten player to achieve this since 2008. As the 2026 season begins, the Big Ten boasts three teams in the AP Top 10 and eight in the Top 25.