The Southeastern Conference (SEC) just announced a jaw-dropping $1.03 billion in revenue for its 16 teams. But it’s not just about the money this time.
The SEC is now pushing hard for a 16-team playoff format—a move almost all of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conferences support. The only holdout? The Big Ten. So, what happens if the Big Ten doesn’t play along? Could the SEC really go it alone?
SEC’s Financial Dominance
The SEC’s record-breaking $1.03 billion in revenue really says it all. It’s not just about winning games; the conference has turned college football into a business machine.
With exclusive TV deals—especially with ESPN—the SEC isn’t just rich. It’s, well, *filthy, stinking rich*.
Television Ratings: The SEC’s Trump Card
TV ratings are a huge part of the SEC’s financial story. In 2025, 12 of the 23 most-watched teams were from the SEC.
Even LSU, which had a rocky year and fired its coach mid-season, was still among the most-watched. That’s the kind of audience advertisers drool over.
- SEC had 12 of the top 23 most-watched teams in 2025
- LSU was the 7th-most watched team despite a lackluster season
- Only Ohio State and Michigan from the Big Ten had higher viewership
The Push for a 16-Team Playoff
Right now, nine out of ten FBS conferences want to expand to a 16-team playoff. The SEC is leading the charge.
The Big Ten isn’t in a rush to change things. After all, they’ve won the last three national titles. But the SEC says a bigger playoff is better for everyone—and, let’s be honest, more profitable too.
Why the SEC Wants a 16-Team Playoff
The SEC’s reasons for pushing this aren’t complicated:
- Inclusivity: More teams in the playoff means more underdogs, more surprises.
- Revenue: More games, more TV time, more tickets—more cash.
- Control: If the SEC leads, it stays in the driver’s seat of college football.
SEC vs. Big Ten: A Battle for Control
This proposal has put the SEC and Big Ten on a collision course. The SEC feels its on-field and off-field dominance should mean more say in shaping the sport.
The Big Ten, riding its recent success, isn’t so sure about shaking things up.
The Big Ten’s Perspective
Why is the Big Ten dragging its feet? A few reasons come to mind:
- Recent Success: Three straight national titles—why mess with that?
- Traditionalism: The Big Ten tends to prefer the old ways.
- Control: Saying no keeps their influence strong.
The SEC’s Ultimatum
The SEC isn’t mincing words. If the Big Ten won’t budge on the 16-team playoff, the SEC might just break off and run its own playoff system.
That would be a seismic shift in college football. Other conferences would have to decide—follow the SEC, or stick with the old guard?
What an SEC-Only Playoff Could Look Like
If the SEC actually goes solo, it could invite the other eight FBS conferences, leaving the Big Ten out in the cold. TV networks would be lining up for those games, and fans would eat it up.
Picture this:
- Alabama vs. Georgia
- LSU vs. Florida
- Texas vs. Oklahoma
- And plenty more can’t-miss matchups
Honestly, that kind of playoff would be a ratings monster. The Big Ten? They’d be left scrambling to make their postseason interesting.
Conclusion
The SEC’s push for a 16-team playoff isn’t just another proposal. It’s a bold move, honestly—a bit of a flex.
With all its financial muscle and those wild TV ratings, the SEC holds a lot of cards. It’s hard to deny their influence in shaping what comes next for college football.
The Big Ten might have notched some recent wins on the field, but let’s be real: when it comes to the business side, the SEC still runs the show. And if the Big Ten doesn’t play ball, the SEC seems ready to carve its own path—maybe even change college football as we know it.
For more on what’s unfolding, take a look at the full article on USA Today.
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