The Gryphon Gazette

By: Niam N. ’26

When it comes to college football, there are many rivalries with deep/riveting histories dating back to as early as 1873. However, few rivalries compare to the ongoing battle between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference.

These two conferences have been at the heart of the sport for decades, showcasing powerhouse programs, passionate fans, and some of the most unforgettable moments in college football history.

Both the SEC and Big Ten are heavy in tradition. From Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee in the south to Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State in the Midwest/north, these conferences are home to the blue-blood programs that have defined college football and made it what it is today. They’ve built legacies through Heisman Trophy winners, national championships, and historic rivalries, making every game special in each program’s own way.

The rivalry is as much about style as it is about success. The SEC prides itself on speed, athleticism, and explosive offenses, while the Big Ten prides itself on tough, physical football and dominating the trenches. Those contrasting approaches fuel endless debates among fans and analysts about which style is superior, adding to the rivalry.

The competition between the SEC and Big Ten goes beyond the field. It’s about recruiting the best players, securing massive TV contracts, and expanding influence. The SEC recently added Texas and Oklahoma, while the Big Ten brought in USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. These moves not only shook up the landscape of college football but also raised the stakes in the battle for conference supremacy.  

Recent Success

The SEC has been the standard-bearer for college football success over the last several years. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have dominated the College Football Playoff era of the sport, often in thrilling championship runs.

The Big Ten is no slouch, either. Ohio State continues to be a consistent contender, and Michigan has surged back to relevance under former head coach Jim Harbaugh. In both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, multiple teams from each conference earned their spots into the CFP—a testament to how deep and talented each was. However, in 2024, the Big Ten outshined the SEC entirely throughout the season, which was evident given the results of the post-season games (bowl games and CFP games).

The Future

This is a rivalry that is only going to continue to improve, as the sport introduces new playoffs with expanded formats and realignment of conferences. Their head-to-head matchups will keep the audience hooked, and their influence will be felt on every level.

At its core, the SEC vs. Big Ten rivalry is about more than wins and losses. It’s a clash of regions, cultures, and traditions. Together, they define what makes college football so special: the passion, the pride, and the endless debates that keep fans hooked year after year.