LSU Football’s Brian Kelly on SEC Scheduling: ‘We Want to Play Big Ten Schools’

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with conference realignments, expanded playoffs, and an ever-growing national spotlight, scheduling has become a critical topic among programs and coaches alike. LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly recently weighed in on the subject of SEC scheduling, expressing a clear desire to see more interconference matchups — specifically against Big Ten schools. His comments reflect a broader ambition within the Southeastern Conference to maintain elite competition, generate excitement for fans, and enhance the overall profile of college football.

In this article, we explore the context and significance of Brian Kelly’s statements, what they mean for LSU and the SEC, and the potential implications for future scheduling and college football rivalries.

The Current College Football Scheduling Landscape

Historically, college football scheduling has revolved largely around conference matchups, traditional rivalries, and regional considerations. The SEC, known for its competitive balance and powerhouse programs, has emphasized grueling intra-conference play that tests teams week after week.

However, the landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years due to several key factors:

• Conference Expansion and Realignment: With the SEC adding new members like Texas and Oklahoma, and the Big Ten expanding westward with schools such as USC and UCLA, the traditional geographic boundaries are blurring.
• College Football Playoff Expansion: An anticipated expansion of the College Football Playoff from four to 12 teams will likely increase the importance of marquee matchups that can bolster a team’s resume.
• Fan and Media Demand: National TV contracts and fan interest increasingly favor high-profile, interconference games that create compelling storylines and broaden viewership.

Against this backdrop, scheduling becomes not just about who you play, but about creating matchups that resonate nationally.

Brian Kelly’s Perspective: “We Want to Play Big Ten Schools”

Brian Kelly, now in his tenure as LSU’s head coach, has embraced this evolving landscape and sees great value in facing top-tier Big Ten programs. In recent remarks, Kelly emphasized that LSU and the SEC as a whole are eager to schedule games against Big Ten schools to create bigger stages for players and fans alike.

Why Big Ten Matchups Matter to Kelly

1. Competitive Challenge: Kelly understands that facing the best competition is essential for preparing LSU to compete for national championships. The Big Ten boasts strong programs with physical, well-coached teams. Matching up against them offers a measuring stick for LSU’s progress.
2. National Exposure: Games between SEC and Big Ten schools typically draw large television audiences. These matchups not only excite fans but also help build LSU’s national brand.
3. Recruiting Impact: Playing Big Ten opponents allows LSU to showcase its program in key recruiting territories in the Midwest and Northeast. It also gives LSU’s recruits a chance to see their team compete on a national stage regularly.
4. Strength of Schedule: In the age of playoff expansion, a team’s strength of schedule will be scrutinized heavily. High-profile games against top Big Ten teams can enhance LSU’s resume when it comes to playoff selection and seeding.

The SEC’s Scheduling Challenges and Opportunities

Scheduling interconference games, especially between power conferences, is complex. The SEC must balance tradition, logistics, television contracts, and competitive fairness.

The Traditional SEC Model

For years, the SEC’s scheduling centered on playing divisional opponents, a few permanent cross-divisional rivals, and a rotating selection of other conference teams. This model has produced intense rivalries but limited opportunities for marquee interconference games during the regular season.

Recent Developments

With the SEC’s expansion to 16 teams and the elimination of divisions starting in 2024, the conference is exploring new scheduling models. This change provides an opportunity to rethink traditional approaches and potentially open the door for more high-profile non-conference matchups, such as those against Big Ten opponents.

Logistical Considerations

Scheduling cross-conference games involves coordinating calendars, travel considerations, and TV rights. Additionally, schools must manage the impact on student-athletes, who face demanding travel and academic schedules.

Despite these challenges, Kelly’s comments signal that LSU — and likely other SEC programs — see tremendous upside in pursuing these games.

Potential LSU vs. Big Ten Matchups to Watch

Fans and analysts are already speculating about which Big Ten opponents LSU might face in future seasons. Here are some possibilities:

• Ohio State: The Buckeyes are perennial national contenders with a high-powered offense and a passionate fanbase. A matchup against LSU would be a marquee event.
• Michigan: Known for their physicality and recent success under Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines present a tough test for any opponent.
• Penn State: A program with a strong defensive tradition and a talented roster, Penn State games typically generate intense competition.
• Wisconsin: Their dominant running game and stout defense would challenge LSU’s balance on both sides of the ball.
• Pennsylvania-based Schools (e.g., Pitt, Rutgers): These teams offer regional recruiting connections and could serve as valuable non-conference rivals.

These games would not only have playoff implications but could also spark new rivalries over time.

What This Means for LSU’s 2025 and Beyond

Brian Kelly’s call for more Big Ten games is likely part of a broader vision for LSU’s program in the coming years. Here’s how this vision might play out:

Enhanced National Profile

By scheduling and competing against top Big Ten schools, LSU will position itself as a truly national program. This visibility is invaluable for recruiting, alumni engagement, and overall program prestige.

Player Development

Facing a diverse array of opponents with varying styles of play accelerates player growth. The physical Big Ten teams and the speed-focused SEC teams will provide complementary challenges.

Recruiting Advantages

Showing up on Big Ten campuses and competing in key recruiting states broadens LSU’s footprint. It also reassures recruits that LSU is willing to compete on the biggest stages, coast to coast.

Championship Aspirations

Building a resume filled with quality wins against multiple power conferences will be crucial as the College Football Playoff expands. LSU will need to demonstrate it can beat elite opponents outside the SEC.

The Broader Impact on College Football

Kelly’s comments about wanting to play Big Ten schools also reflect a trend toward a more interconnected, national college football landscape. Fans can expect:

• More Cross-Conference Showdowns: As conferences compete for relevance and playoff positioning, high-profile games between power conferences will become more common.
• Expanded Playoffs with Diverse Matchups: With playoff expansion, interconference games become a proving ground for playoff seeding and rankings.
• Increased TV Revenue and Fan Interest: Games between SEC and Big Ten teams draw huge ratings and generate significant revenue, benefitting programs and conferences alike.

Brian Kelly’s declaration that LSU wants to schedule more games against Big Ten schools highlights an exciting era in college football scheduling. His comments underscore the importance of competitive balance, national exposure, and strategic growth as LSU seeks to return to the pinnacle of the sport.

For LSU fans, the prospect of seeing the Tigers face off against storied Big Ten programs offers a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come. As the SEC continues to evolve, interconference rivalries like these could redefine college football’s landscape for years.

The 2025 season and beyond promise not only exhilarating football but also a more interconnected, dynamic competition that truly tests the best teams from coast to coast. Under Brian Kelly’s leadership, LSU looks poised to embrace this challenge with confidence and ambition.