The Big Ten and SEC are currently in talks about potentially organizing a series of nonconference games between their teams to increase their influence and financial power in the FBS, according to sources. These games would involve 12 to 16 matchups, similar to the blockbuster games seen in college basketball.
The discussions are still in the early stages, and financial details have not been ironed out yet. However, the potential revenue generated from matchups between big-name schools like Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, and Alabama is enticing for both conferences. This season’s games between Texas-Michigan and Alabama-Wisconsin have shown the earning potential of such matchups.
With major financial challenges looming for college sports in the future, finding ways to increase revenue has become a priority. The Big Ten commissioner, Tony Petitti, is particularly interested in creating more meaningful games that could secure spots in an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
The current media rights holders for the conferences, including ESPN for the SEC and Fox, NBC, and CBS for the Big Ten, stand to benefit significantly from any potential agreement. As discussions progress, the conferences are considering the implications of an expanded playoff system and the inclusion of automatic qualifier spots for multiple conferences.
While the talks are still in the early stages, the potential impact of these nonconference games on the landscape of college football is significant. If the SEC were to move to nine conference games, schools like South Carolina and Florida could potentially be playing 11 Power Four games per season, including the proposed “challenge” games.
Looking ahead, the expiration of current media deals in 2030 for the Big Ten and 2034 for the SEC could open up new opportunities for revenue generation through these nonconference matchups. However, concerns about a potential separation between these two conferences and the rest of the FBS are also being raised.
As college football continues to evolve, discussions on topics like an expanded playoff and automatic qualifiers are likely to resurface in the future. The SEC and Big Ten are exploring options to further their common interests and enhance the quality of content offered to fans as the season progresses.
