LSU head coach Brian Kelly expressed a desire for the SEC to schedule games against Big Ten teams, emphasizing the importance of competing with top programs from that conference.

In recent statements that have stirred significant discussion across the college football landscape, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has openly expressed his desire for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to schedule regular-season games against Big Ten opponents. Kelly’s comments highlight a strategic vision rooted in the recognition of the shifting power dynamics within college football, emphasizing the importance of top-tier competition, national relevance, and the evolution of the sport into a more unified, competitive landscape. This desire reflects broader trends in college athletics, including conference realignment, playoff expansion, and the quest for national dominance. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore Kelly’s perspective, the historical context of scheduling practices, potential implications for college football, the logistical and competitive challenges involved, and how such a move could reshape the sport’s future.

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### 1. **Background: The Evolution of College Football Scheduling**

Traditionally, college football scheduling has been largely dictated by conference affiliations, geographic proximity, and historical rivalries. Power conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Pac-12, and Big 12 have historically played intra-conference games, with occasional non-conference matchups scheduled for marquee events or bowl games.

In recent decades, the landscape has dramatically shifted. The rise of conference expansion and realignment—most notably the SEC’s expansion with Texas and Oklahoma—has led to a more stratified and competitive environment. The 2021 NCAA Division I Football Playoff expansion from four to 12 teams further incentivized programs to seek high-quality non-conference opponents to bolster resumes.

However, until recently, regular-season inter-conference games between the SEC and Big Ten have been rare, primarily limited to early-season non-conference matchups or special events like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff or the Citrus Bowl. The lack of a formal, consistent schedule of SEC vs. Big Ten games has created a missed opportunity for both conferences to showcase their top programs on a national stage.

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### 2. **Brian Kelly’s Perspective: The Case for Cross-Conference Scheduling**

As LSU’s head coach since 2022, Brian Kelly has been vocal about the importance of elevating the national profile of college football by increasing meaningful matchups. His comments advocating for regular SEC vs. Big Ten games are rooted in several key strategic and philosophical beliefs:

#### a. **Competing Against the Best**

Kelly emphasizes that to determine the true national champion, teams need to regularly face top-tier opponents from different conferences. Playing against elite programs from the Big Ten—such as Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, or Wisconsin—would provide LSU and SEC teams with valuable experience and a better gauge of their standing relative to other national contenders.

#### b. **Enhancing the Sport’s Competitiveness**

Kelly believes that cross-conference matchups would elevate the overall quality of college football, creating a more compelling product for fans and media. Such games could generate higher ratings, increased revenue, and greater media interest, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.

#### c. **Fostering Conference Prestige and Parity**

By regularly competing against Big Ten powerhouses, the SEC could reinforce its reputation as the premier conference, while also challenging Big Ten programs to prove their dominance. This competitive parity would foster a more balanced and exciting landscape, with SEC and Big Ten titles holding equal weight and prestige.

#### d. **Preparation for Future Playoff Formats**

As the playoff system expands, Kelly sees cross-conference games as an opportunity to strengthen resumes and avoid the pitfalls of strength-of-schedule issues. Playing high-profile Big Ten teams could be crucial for securing playoff berths and seeding.

#### e. **Historical and Cultural Significance**

Kelly also points out that college football thrives on rivalries, rivalries often rooted in conference boundaries. Creating scheduled matchups between SEC and Big Ten teams could foster new rivalries, deepen existing ones, and rekindle regional pride.

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### 3. **Potential Models for Implementing SEC-Big Ten Cross-Conference Play**

Implementing a regular SEC vs. Big Ten schedule requires careful planning, negotiation, and logistical coordination. Several models have been proposed or are under consideration:

#### a. **Divisional or Rotational Scheduling**

One approach is to establish a rotating schedule where SEC teams face Big Ten opponents every few years. For instance, each SEC team could play one or two Big Ten teams annually on a rotating basis, similar to the current conference scheduling but with an explicit cross-conference component.

This model allows for fairness and variety, ensuring teams face different opponents over time while maintaining conference integrity.

#### b. **Annual Cross-Conference Matchups**

A more ambitious model would be to schedule a set number of SEC vs. Big Ten games each season, possibly two or three, with fixed rivalries or randomized pairings. This approach maximizes exposure and competitiveness but requires extensive coordination and negotiation between the conferences.

#### c. **Special Events and Non-Conference Series**

Alternatively, conferences could designate certain high-profile non-conference games as part of a “Champions Series” or a “Super Saturday,” featuring multiple SEC vs. Big Ten games. These events could be scheduled during non-traditional windows, such as early season or bowl week.

#### d. **Inclusion in Existing Scheduling Framework**

Incorporating SEC-Big Ten games into existing conference schedules, perhaps during bye weeks or as part of special crossover weekends, could be a way to introduce these matchups without overhauling current formats.

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### 4. **Challenges and Considerations**

While the benefits of SEC vs. Big Ten games are compelling, several challenges must be addressed:

#### a. **Scheduling Conflicts and Logistics**

Coordinating calendars across 14 or more teams per conference is complex. Each team has its own rivalry games, bowl commitments, and travel considerations. Finding open dates for cross-conference games, especially in a crowded schedule, requires extensive planning.

#### b. **Financial and Revenue Sharing**

Negotiating revenue sharing from these games is critical. Both conferences would want to ensure equitable distribution of television rights, ticket sales, and sponsorship revenue. The potential for unequal revenue streams or conflicts over media rights could complicate negotiations.

#### c. **Impact on Existing Rivalries and Traditional Games**

Many programs have longstanding rivalries rooted in conference play. Introducing cross-conference games might disrupt or diminish these traditions, which could face opposition from alumni and fan bases.

#### d. **Player Safety and Fatigue**

Adding additional high-stakes games increases the risk of injury and player fatigue. Careful consideration of bye weeks and player health protocols is essential.

#### e. **Playoff Implications**

Decisions about how cross-conference games factor into selection criteria for the College Football Playoff (CFP) are necessary. Will these games be weighted equally? How do they impact strength-of-schedule metrics?

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### 5. **Potential Benefits of Cross-Conference Play**

Despite challenges, the potential benefits are significant:

#### a. **Elevating the National Profile**

Having SEC and Big Ten teams face each other regularly would generate compelling storylines, rivalries, and media coverage, boosting the profile of college football as a whole.

#### b. **Competitive Balance and Parity**

These games would help identify the best teams across conferences, reducing the “conference bias” and creating a more accurate reflection of team strength.

#### c. **Fan Engagement and Revenue Growth**

Cross-conference matchups tend to draw larger crowds and higher TV ratings, translating into increased revenue, sponsorship opportunities, and higher-profile exposure for participating schools.

#### d. **Player Development and Exposure**

Players benefit from competing against diverse opponents, which can improve their skills, showcase their talents to NFL scouts, and enhance their college experience.

#### e. **Conference Prestige and Power**

Regular inter-conference games would reinforce the stature of both the SEC and Big Ten as the leading conferences in college football.

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### 6. **Historical Precedents and Future Outlook**

While not entirely unprecedented—some bowl games and special series have featured SEC vs. Big Ten teams—regular-season cross-conference play remains rare. The closest example is the annual matchup of the Big Ten and SEC in the Outback Bowl or other bowl games, which are one-off events.

Recently, there has been increased chatter about the possibility of a formal alliance or scheduling agreement. The College Football Playoff expansion and conference realignment have accelerated the conversation.

The 2024 and 2025 seasons are pivotal, as both conferences experience further realignment, with the SEC’s expansion and the Big Ten’s move to include USC and UCLA. These moves create a new landscape where regular cross-conference games become more feasible and desirable.

Looking ahead, many analysts and coaches see the potential for a “Super League” or a more integrated schedule, with conference champions and top teams regularly facing each other to determine national supremacy. Kelly’s advocacy aligns with this vision, pushing for a future where college football is more dynamic, competitive, and reflective of the sport’s broader ambitions.

A Vision for the Future of College Football**

Brian Kelly’s call for the SEC to schedule regular games against Big Ten teams underscores a broader desire to elevate college football’s competitive level, increase its entertainment value, and better determine the sport’s national champions. While logistical, financial, and traditional challenges exist, the potential benefits—richer rivalries, higher TV ratings, more meaningful competition—make a compelling case for change.

As the sport continues to evolve with conference realignment, playoff expansion, and shifting fan expectations, the idea of regular SEC vs. Big Ten matchups may transition from a proposal to a reality. Such a development would mark a new era of college football—one characterized by more meaningful, high-stakes games that showcase the best programs from across the country, ultimately elevating the sport’s prestige and excitement for fans, players, and stakeholders alike.

In embracing this vision, college football can reinforce its status as America’s premier sporting competition, delivering unforgettable moments and crowning the true national champion in a landscape that is increasingly interconnected and competitive. LSU, under Brian Kelly’s leadership, appears poised to be at the forefront of this transformative movement, advocating for a future where the best teams from both conferences meet regularly on the gridiron—delivering the epic battles that college football fans crave.