Conference Clash: Who Rules College Football in 2025?
For nearly two decades, the Southeastern Conference has been the undisputed powerhouse in college football. Its teams have hoisted National Championship trophies, produced top NFL talent, and dominated the rankings every fall. However, the landscape in 2025 looks different. After back-to-back national titles by the Big Ten programs, Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in 2024, the conversation has shifted. The question no longer remains whether the Big Ten can compete, but rather it has formed into whether they have already surpassed the SEC at the top. The focus in 2025 is not just about rankings or records, but about legacy, and players like Drew Allar and Arch Manning are at the center of that discussion.
The Big Ten enters this season with top-tier programs like Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon, all boasting rosters capable of championship runs. Drew Allar, Penn State’s returning quarterback, is expected to lead one of the most balanced offensive units in the country. The Nittany Lions are eyeing their first national title since 1986, and Allar’s performance is essential to that pursuit. On the other side of the field, the SEC counters with unparalleled depth and star power, led by quarterback Arch Manning of Texas. Manning’s skill and leadership are key reasons why the Longhorns open the season ranked number one. Meanwhile, Georgia, Alabama, and LSU round out a deep group of SEC contenders ready to reclaim their dominance. The SEC may have more ranked programs, but the Big Ten holds the recent hardware, adding fire to the debate.
With the College Football Playoff expanding to twelve teams, both conferences are bound to send multiple contenders into the postseason, but which is better built for long-term success? The Big Ten has leveraged massive media deals, NIL infrastructure, and new West Coast additions, such as USC and Washington, to expand its national reach. The SEC leans into its traditions, grueling schedules, and unmatched player depth. Drew Allar’s and Arch Manning’s performance this season could tip the scales. If both lead their team deep into the playoffs, fans will be treated to a classic conference showdown. Although for now, the battle for college football supremacy is wide open.
