SEC vs Big Ten: Brian Kelly Calls for Games
- — Southeastern Conference coaches are pushing for more competition with the Big Ten, specifically advocating for adding one nonconference game against a Big Ten team as part of...
- Kelly emphasized the desire to challenge the SEC against top competition.
- The SEC's scheduling format has been a primary focus during the conference's spring meetings, with discussions centering on whether to maintain an eight-game conference schedule or expand to...
SEC coaches are clamoring for a showdown wiht the Big Ten, with Brian Kelly leading the charge too schedule nonconference games against their rivals. Amidst debates over the SEC’s scheduling format—eight versus nine conference games—coaches are advocating for adding a Big Ten opponent to the mix, recognizing the conference’s recent dominance, including the last two national championships. The SEC is considering its options, including facilitating or mandating more matchups, however, hurdles remain. Arkansas’s Sam Pittman emphasizes the importance of television appeal and fan enjoyment.Explore the latest on SEC strategies with News Directory 3, as they consider the best path forward for SEC football scheduling.Discover what’s next for college football’s powerhouses.
SEC Coaches Eye Big Ten Showdowns Amid Scheduling Debates
Updated May 30, 2025
DESTIN, Fla. — Southeastern Conference coaches are pushing for more competition with the Big Ten, specifically advocating for adding one nonconference game against a Big Ten team as part of any future scheduling agreement. LSU’s Brian Kelly said Wednesday that while there’s strong support for this move, the SEC “need[s] a partner” to make it happen.
Kelly emphasized the desire to challenge the SEC against top competition. “We want to compete against the Big Ten,” Kelly said.”Look, the Big Ten right now holds it on the SEC. They won the last two national championships. That’s the reality of it.”
The SEC’s scheduling format has been a primary focus during the conference’s spring meetings, with discussions centering on whether to maintain an eight-game conference schedule or expand to nine. Kelly stated his preference for a nine-game SEC schedule, supplemented by a game against a Big Ten opponent. While the concept arose from meetings between the Big Ten-SEC advisory group, one source indicated the idea faces hurdles at the commissioner level.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey outlined three potential approaches to a scheduling partnership: allowing current practices to continue, actively facilitating more matchups, or mandating games. “That third one’s incredibly tough,” Sankey noted.
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman suggested decisions should prioritize television appeal and fan enjoyment.Pittman noted, “The SEC wants us to go to nine” conference games.
south Carolina coach Shane Beamer highlighted the importance of the annual rivalry game against Clemson. “I would never want that game to go away,” Beamer said. “Rivalries and rivalry weekend are what make this sport great.”
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz acknowledged the Big Ten’s recent success, with Michigan and Ohio State claiming the last two national titles. “It bothers us as competitors,” Drinkwitz said. “We feel like we’re the best conference in college football, and we want to make sure that the ultimate prize at the end of the year is that national championship trophy.”
What’s next
The SEC will continue to evaluate scheduling options, considering the future playoff format and potential partnerships with othre conferences. Further discussions are expected among coaches, athletic directors, and conference officials to determine the best path forward for SEC football scheduling.