The college football world is buzzing after Urban Meyer dropped a bold take on the Big Ten's rise. The former Ohio State and Florida head coach, now a media analyst, declared that the Big Ten has not only caught up to the SEC in terms of fan engagement and stadium atmosphere but has actually blown past it.
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Meyer pointed to the last three national champions—all from the Big Ten—as proof that the conference's on-field product has arrived. But it was his comments about the fan experience that really stirred the pot.
“But I’m gonna add this, Colin, also the Big Ten stadiums are very SEC like,” Meyer said. “They were not. When I was hired in 2012, it wasn’t even close, man. The teams weren’t close. The venues weren’t close. The passion of the fans wasn’t close, it’s caught up. And like you said, last year it bypassed the SEC.”
Meyer, who took over at Ohio State in 2012 and went on to win a national title there, recalled how different the atmosphere was back then. Now, he says, the energy in Big Ten stadiums rivals—and even exceeds—what you’d find in the SEC.
Unsurprisingly, SEC fans were quick to push back. On social media, they argued that while the Big Ten might have the trophies lately, the SEC still owns the best game-day environments. “I’ll give it to the B1G being the best conf on the field, BUT the environments & fan engagement is still superior in the SEC,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Big 10 it’s only 1-2 teams that are good every year the rest are average at best. The SEC every week all teams are battling it out for contention.”
Even some neutral observers weighed in, with one saying, “Sorry, Colin. Usual hyperbole when interviewing someone. SEC fandom nowhere near surpassed. However, I’ll grant talent is more dispersed.” Another fan sarcastically shot back, “Let me know when you’ve won at a min 10+ consecutive Natties. SEC!”
This isn’t the first time Meyer has stirred up conference pride. He’s also opened up about why he believes the Big Ten turned the corner, and he’s been candid about his own NFL struggles.
The debate over which conference truly reigns supreme is unlikely to be settled anytime soon. But Meyer’s comments have certainly added fuel to the fire, giving fans on both sides plenty to argue about as the 2026 season approaches.
Whether you agree with him or not, there’s no denying that the Big Ten has made significant strides. With packed stadiums, passionate fanbases, and a string of national titles, the conference is no longer looking up at the SEC—it’s looking straight ahead, maybe even a little higher.
