Legendary college football coach Urban Meyer, known for his national championship success at both Florida and Ohio State, recently offered some pointed takes on the sport’s evolving landscape. Drawing on a coaching career that spanned from Group of Five schools like Bowling Green and Utah to Power programs and the NFL, Meyer possesses a unique vantage point on the divide in college football.
Speaking on separate podcasts, Meyer addressed two significant shifts: the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal on smaller programs, and the current power dynamic between the Big Ten and SEC conferences.
Small Schools Becoming ‘Feeder’ Programs?
Meyer expressed concern that the current era of NIL and unrestricted transfers has fundamentally altered the role of smaller institutions, particularly those in the Group of Five. He contends that these programs have effectively become “feeder systems” for the larger, more affluent power conference teams.
According to Meyer, developing talent at these smaller schools no longer provides the long-term dividends it once did. He shared a perspective from his time coaching in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), describing it as a “coaches league” where talent was relatively balanced, making coaching the primary differentiator.
However, the reality today is starkly different. As Meyer explained, “the reality is you’re going to develop a player and he’s going to leave.” He suggests that if a program like Bowling Green recruits a promising high school player and develops them through their freshman or sophomore year, it’s now “a near certainty” that a top program like Alabama, USC, or Michigan will recruit that player away. This movement is largely fueled by players seeking better financial opportunities through NIL deals and increased national television exposure.
While this trend may challenge smaller programs, it’s also understandable from a player’s perspective. Pursuing opportunities that improve one’s financial and career prospects is a common goal across any field, and college football players are no different.
Meyer: Big Ten Has Surpassed the SEC at the Top
In another bold assertion, Meyer weighed in on the long-standing rivalry between the Big Ten and SEC, claiming that the Big Ten has now surpassed the SEC “at the upper part” in terms of top-flight quality.
“If you would have told me that 10 years ago, I would have said it’s not even close,” Meyer stated, acknowledging the significant shift in power. While he credited the SEC with generally raising the overall level of play in college football, he believes the Big Ten’s elite teams are now stronger.
Meyer partly attributed this change to the impact Ohio State had upon his arrival in Columbus, suggesting the Buckeyes helped move the Big Ten away from a perceived “slow man’s game.” He also highlighted increased investment across other Big Ten schools and a shift towards recruiting top players nationally, rather than just within their traditional geographic footprint.
As evidence, Meyer pointed to the Big Ten having won the last two National Championships (Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in 2024, relative to the interview date). He specifically praised recent Michigan and Ohio State teams as among the best he’s seen, also mentioning the success of teams like Penn State.
While the Big Ten has clearly closed the gap, SEC fans would likely argue that two years of championship success isn’t enough to declare a permanent shift, especially given the SEC’s unique depth across the conference. However, analysis like RJ Young’s “Ultimate 134” rankings for the 2024 season also reflects a strong showing for both leagues at the pinnacle. In Young’s rankings, four SEC teams (Georgia #2, Texas #3, Ole Miss #6, Alabama #9) and three Big Ten teams (Ohio State #1, Oregon #4, Michigan #8) landed in the top 10, illustrating the continued presence of elite programs in both conferences.
The upcoming college football season, featuring matchups between top teams from each conference like Texas vs. Michigan, will provide further evidence to support or challenge Meyer’s provocative claims.
