Big Ten and SEC Set for Crucial Football Scheduling Talks

Big news is on the horizon for college football as representatives from the Big Ten and SEC are gearing up for a pivotal in-person meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, next week. Athletic directors from both conferences will discuss a potential football scheduling partnership that could reshape the landscape of collegiate sports as we know it.

This meeting marks a significant continuation of the collaboration initiated by a joint advisory group formed in February, which includes university presidents, chancellors, and athletic directors from both leagues. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti are expected to meet for a day of intense discussions.

A source from the Big Ten expressed optimism about the potential for progress, stating, “There is hope that we can definitely move the needle and make some progress on different things.” This sentiment echoes the growing desire among both conferences to strengthen their positions in future playoff scenarios.

Key Points of Contention

A key point of contention that may influence the partnership is the SEC's potential shift to nine conference games. Currently, the Big Ten plays nine league opponents, and some Big Ten athletic directors have indicated resistance to any agreement with the SEC unless they align on this format. “If we're all going to figure this out,” the source emphasized, “we've got to be on equal footing.”

Future College Football Playoff Arrangements

Both conferences are also eyeing future College Football Playoff (CFP) arrangements, particularly the desire for four automatic bids each when the new playoff contract comes into effect in 2026. With changes looming on the playoff horizon, there remains uncertainty about its structure, which could dramatically impact the discussions in Nashville.

One SEC source articulated the emphasis on maximizing postseason opportunities, steering away from considering bowl games as valid playoff chances: “I'm for anything that gives us the maximum number of postseason opportunities.” Moreover, there is a growing interest in reducing the influence of the 13-member selection committee, with some even proposing its complete elimination. “I think anything we can do to take the subjectivity of a committee off the table is really helpful,” asserted one SEC insider.

Legislative Changes and Pushback

While significant legislative changes to the CFP's format are a ways off, the prospect of guaranteed bids for both the SEC and Big Ten has already generated substantial pushback from other conferences. This tension builds against the backdrop of March's announcement of a staggering six-year, $7.8 billion contract between the CFP and ESPN, set to take effect for the 2026-27 season.

However, the pursuit of guarantees has led to the other FBS conferences, along with Notre Dame, ceding a considerable amount of control regarding the playoff's future format to the SEC and Big Ten.

Looking Ahead

As the discussions unfold, there are no clear indications that concrete decisions will emerge during next week’s meeting. Nonetheless, Big Ten athletic directors will convene shortly before this gathering on Wednesday, armed with prepared talking points they hope will lead to significant and actionable outcomes as both conferences navigate this high-stakes period in college football. Stay tuned for what could be a game-changer in the sport!