Big Ten Dominates College Football Playoff, Challenges SEC Supremacy

The Big Ten has emerged as a dominant force in the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP), with Ohio State and Penn State securing spots in the semifinals. This marks the second consecutive year that two Big Ten teams have reached this stage, challenging the long-standing supremacy of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Ohio State, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and a robust defense, advanced to the semifinals after a commanding 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the first round. Similarly, Penn State defeated Notre Dame 31-14 in the quarterfinals, showcasing their defensive prowess. The Big Ten’s success extends beyond the playoff, with a 4-1 record against the SEC in head-to-head matchups this postseason.

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti has remained notably quiet during this period of success, preferring to let the on-field results speak for themselves. Petitti, a former TV executive, has been instrumental in securing the conference’s lucrative media rights deal, which brings in approximately $1 billion annually. This financial strength has enabled Big Ten schools to compete aggressively in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, retaining top talent and attracting key transfers.

The conference’s expansion to the West Coast, adding Oregon and Washington, has further bolstered its competitive edge. Oregon, ranked No. 1 for much of the 2024 season, and Washington, a CFP participant last year, have contributed to the Big Ten’s diverse and formidable football landscape. ‘The variety more than anything sticks out,’ said Oregon coach Dan Lanning. ‘You have to be able to prepare for different situations, different moments throughout the season when you play the teams in this conference.’

Despite the Big Ten’s success, critics within and outside the SEC have sought to downplay the conference’s achievements. ESPN broadcaster Sean McDonough questioned the presumption that the Big Ten is superior to other conferences, while Kirk Herbstreit suggested that Indiana, a Big Ten team, did not belong in the playoff. However, Ohio State’s decisive victory over Tennessee and Michigan‘s win against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl have silenced many detractors.

The Big Ten’s rise comes at a time when the SEC, traditionally the powerhouse of college football, has faced setbacks. With only two teams remaining in the playoff and a series of losses to the Big Ten, the SEC’s aura of invincibility has been dented. ‘Imagine if it’s two Big Ten teams and the Big Ten is ruling the world,’ said SEC Network host Paul Finebaum. ‘I’m not sure what we’re going to do down here in SEC country but hang our head.’

As the playoff semifinals approach, the Big Ten is poised to potentially claim its second consecutive national championship. This would not only solidify the conference’s status as the premier league in college football but also set the stage for an intensified rivalry with the SEC in the years to come.