The SEC and Big Ten have long established themselves as the two most dominant and powerful conferences in college football, often leaving the Big 12 in a secondary tier when it comes to national recognition and influence. This separation is rooted in several factors, including financial resources, historic programs, and media visibility, all of which have contributed to the SEC and Big Ten’s superior position in college athletics.

One of the most significant reasons for the gap between these conferences and the Big 12 is their lucrative media rights deals. The SEC and Big Ten have secured massive television contracts that bring in billions of dollars, allowing their member schools to invest heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, top-tier coaching staff, and recruiting efforts. This financial advantage fuels their dominance and makes them more attractive to top talent, both on the field and in coaching positions. The Big 12, while still profitable, does not command the same level of media income, limiting its ability to compete at the same financial level as the SEC and Big Ten.

Additionally, the SEC and Big Ten are home to historic powerhouses with legacies of national championships and Heisman Trophy winners. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Michigan have consistently been among the top-ranked teams, drawing the attention of recruits, media, and fans. This sustained success creates a cycle of prominence that feeds their status as the most powerful conferences. In comparison, while the Big 12 has had its share of highly competitive programs—such as Oklahoma, which consistently contended for national titles before its move to the SEC—it lacks the same concentration of elite programs year after year.

The reach and influence of the SEC and Big Ten also extend to the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, where their teams have often been given more favorable consideration due to the perceived strength of their schedules and the depth of their conferences. This has led to the narrative that the SEC and Big Ten are simply “tougher” conferences to navigate, which influences rankings and playoff selections. The Big 12, meanwhile, often finds itself having to go above and beyond to make a similar impression on the CFP committee.

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

ZBiotics Pre Alcohol
Go to zbiotics.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use LOCKEDONCOLLEGEat checkout. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee so if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, they’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at ROBINHOOD.com/GOLD

ROY
Download Roy for iOS or Android and enter referral code LOCKED ON and you’ll automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win $5,000 cash. Visit JoinRoy.com for additional details. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Get off the sidelines and into the NIL game with Roy.

5-Hour ENERGY
What’s your Fan Fuel this week?! Whatever it is, do it with a 5 Hour Energy! Available on 5HourEnergy.com. Shipped nationwide.

HIMS
Hims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free.Post your job for free atLinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Terms and conditions apply.
 

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)