The long-standing tug-of-war between the SEC and Big Ten has shaped the identity of college football for decades. But right now? According to college football analyst Josh Pate, the balance of power has shifted - and it’s the Big Ten that’s holding the upper hand.
On a recent episode of his show, Pate didn’t mince words. He believes the Big Ten isn’t just keeping pace with the SEC - it’s pulling ahead, especially at the top of the food chain.
“The SEC is lagging behind the Big Ten, at the top,” Pate said. “I would even venture to suggest the middle-tier now is at least comparable if not slightly lagging behind.”
That’s a bold take, especially considering the SEC’s reputation as the gold standard of college football. But Pate’s not just talking about playoff berths or NFL Draft picks. He’s pointing to something deeper - a shift in the DNA of Big Ten football.
Where that shift becomes most interesting is in the mindset of the players. Pate suggested that the average Big Ten athlete might be built a little differently - not just physically, but mentally.
Less flash, more grit. Less branding, more ball.
“Maybe the average Big Ten player is wired a little bit differently,” Pate said. “Maybe they focus a little more on the football aspect, the meat-and-potatoes aspect of football, instead of the more highlight-ish, branding aspect.”
That kind of wiring - the no-nonsense, grind-it-out mentality - isn’t something you can coach. It’s not something you pick up in a film room or weight room. It’s embedded in the culture.
And while Pate acknowledged that might sound like a stretch to some, he argued it’s been the norm in the SEC for years - a focus on the spotlight, on the sizzle. But in the Big Ten, it’s about substance.
Whether this is a temporary swing or a long-term realignment remains to be seen. But with the Hoosiers on the verge of a statement win over the Miami Hurricanes, the Big Ten has a chance to put another exclamation point on its rise.
The SEC may be watching from the sidelines this time, but the Big Ten? They’re not just in the conversation - they might be leading it.