For the first time in over 80 years, the Big Ten has claimed three consecutive national championships - a feat last accomplished by the conference when Minnesota won back-to-back titles in 1940 and 1941, followed by Ohio State in 1942. Fast forward to today, and it’s Michigan (2023), Ohio State (2024), and most recently, Indiana (2025) who have brought the hardware home to the Midwest.
The SEC’s long-standing grip on college football supremacy? It’s officially been broken.
The Big Ten now holds the crown.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one good season or a lucky playoff run. This is a seismic shift in the sport.
The SEC, which had won four straight national titles before the Big Ten’s run - and a staggering 13 since Florida’s 2006 win over Ohio State - is no longer the undisputed king of college football. The new era belongs to the Big Ten, and the reasons behind that shift are as layered as they are fascinating.
The Transfer Portal and NIL Era Changed the Game
A major turning point came with the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. These two changes didn’t just tweak the system - they blew it wide open.
For years, SEC programs thrived by stockpiling talent. Elite recruits would often commit knowing they might sit for a year or two behind future NFL players.
But now, those same backups don’t wait around. They enter the portal and find starting jobs elsewhere - often at programs that are ready to win right now.
Take Indiana, for example. Their 2025 national title team wasn’t built the old-fashioned way.
Only 35% of their starters were originally recruited by the program. The other 65%?
Transfer portal additions. Head coach Curt Cignetti didn’t just find players - he found the right players.
He identified talent, developed it quickly, and built a cohesive unit that could go toe-to-toe with the blue bloods.
Contrast that with Georgia, where 90% of the starting lineup was recruited in-house by Kirby Smart. That kind of roster continuity used to be a clear advantage.
But in today’s game, it’s no longer a guarantee of success. The portal has leveled the playing field - and coaches like Cignetti are proving they know how to work it.
Experience Matters - And the Big Ten Has It
Another key ingredient in the Big Ten’s recent dominance? Veteran leadership.
Indiana’s 2025 squad featured 11 starters who were fourth- or fifth-year seniors. Add in a host of juniors and you’ve got a roster filled with battle-tested upperclassmen.
And many of those players followed Cignetti from James Madison, bringing chemistry and familiarity into the locker room from day one.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was a three-year starter who transferred in and provided stability under center - a recurring theme for these championship teams. Michigan and Ohio State both leaned on experienced, mature rosters in their respective title runs. In a sport where continuity and leadership often separate the good from the great, the Big Ten has found a winning formula.
Big Donors, Big Impact
Let’s talk NIL money - because it matters. The Big Ten’s advantage here isn’t just about dollars and cents.
It’s about infrastructure. These schools boast massive alumni networks and deep-pocketed donors, many of whom are eager to support their programs in the NIL era.
While SEC schools have long had strong financial backing, many are located in smaller, rural areas where the donor base isn’t quite as expansive.
That’s made a difference in recruiting. Big Ten programs are now winning battles for top-tier talent, not just on the trail but also in the portal. They’re offering competitive NIL packages and delivering on the promise of playing time, exposure, and a shot at championships.
Bowl Season Told the Story
If you needed one more data point to confirm the Big Ten’s rise, look no further than this past bowl season. The Big Ten went 11-5, while the SEC stumbled to a 4-10 record.
Even more telling: the SEC went 0-3 against Big Ten teams in those matchups. That’s not just a bad postseason - that’s a statement.
For years, the SEC’s dominance wasn’t just about titles. It was about depth.
It was about winning bowl games, outlasting opponents, and proving their superiority across the board. But this season, the Big Ten flipped the script.
They didn’t just win the big one - they won all over the board.
So here we are. Three straight national titles.
A transfer portal masterclass. NIL savvy.
Veteran leadership. Bowl dominance.
The Big Ten isn’t just having a moment - it’s building a dynasty. The SEC had its era, and it was a great one.
But college football’s balance of power has officially shifted north. The Big Ten is the new standard.