ESPN’s latest preseason strength of schedule rankings have sparked a familiar wave of backlash, and this time the SEC is right in the middle of it.
The rankings show all 16 SEC programs with schedules that land among the 20 toughest in the country, a result that immediately lit up social media with criticism from fans who believe the network’s SEC broadcast relationship colors the numbers. Ohio State, Michigan, Northwestern and USC were the only teams outside the league to crack ESPN’s top 20.
The debate arrives as the SEC prepares for a major scheduling shift in 2026, moving from eight conference games to nine. That change became necessary after Oklahoma and Texas joined the league in 2024 and the SEC dropped its East and West divisions for scheduling purposes. Keeping the schedule at eight games would have put traditional rivalries at risk of losing annual status, while the move to nine games also fits the SEC’s push to strengthen its standing with the College Football Playoff committee.
To make room for the extra conference game, the SEC cut its second Group of Six non-conference matchup. The tradeoff gives fans the chance to see as many as five marquee home games, while also setting up a tougher road for teams trying to reach the playoff. With the league also requiring a Power Four non-conference game, SEC schools are staring at some of the most demanding slates in the sport.
Still, the rankings drew plenty of skepticism. One fan wrote, "I understand the SEC is tough, but I find it hard to believe that's not the hardest schedule in football."
Another pointed directly at ESPN’s business ties, saying, "ESPN should not have a hand in ranking teams, in any manner (not even strength of schedule) if they have a financial interest in the broadcast rights of certain team."
Others mocked the logic behind the rankings. "The SEC's schedule is so strong, because our preseason rankings say so.
And what are they based upon! Nothing on the field, that's for sure!"
one post read.
Another fan dismissed the model outright: "Hilarious. And here ladies and gentlemen, is why FPI is a worthless model."
The criticism kept rolling in from there. "Interesting.
Hey ESPN, can you tell me who owns the broadcasting rights for the SEC?" one user asked.
Another pointed out, "Yet no team from the SEC have made a national championship in three years."
And one final post summed up the mood bluntly: "ESPN broadcasts SEC hence this ranking. Absolute fraudulence at the highest degree."
In Other News...
Cincere Johnson Is Giving Ohio State Fans Another Reason To Dream
Cincere Johnson arrives in Columbus with the kind of profile that naturally gets Ohio State fans talking before he ever takes a real snap. A 5-star recruit and the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, the Cleveland native picked the Buckeyes after drawing offers from plenty of top programs, and he has already spent the offseason adding 20 pounds of muscle as he gets ready for his debut season.
For a defense that always expects impact talent to show up early, Johnson is the latest reason for optimism. The Buckeyes do not need to be reminded what a difference a ready-made linebacker can make, but they are getting one anyway, and the only real question now is how quickly he turns all that recruiting buzz into production on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Fans Have Every Reason To Mock Michigans Latest Tone
At Big Ten Football Media Days, Kyle Whittingham took a notably calmer view of the sports biggest pressure-cooker games, saying rivalry matchups can be intense and emotional without crossing into personal hatred. The Michigan coach specifically said he does not hate Ohio State coach Ryan Day, framing the rivalry as a fierce competition that does not need to spill over into personal animosity.
For Buckeyes fans, the tone is hard to miss, especially given how much of the Ohio State-Michigan buildup usually leans into edge and emotion. Whittinghams comments leave room for the broader rivalry to stay heated on the field, but they also invite a familiar reaction from Columbus, where any hint of restraint in this matchup tends to become its own kind of punch line. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State's Biggest Big Ten Threat Might Surprise Buckeye Fans
Ohio State enters the season with the kind of familiar expectations that come with being a conference heavyweight, even if the Buckeyes have not won the Big Ten since 2020. Around the league, they are still being sized up as the favorite to reclaim the crown, and there is plenty of optimism that the offense can do its part if the line settles in and the key pieces perform the way they are supposed to.
Still, the more intriguing problem on the schedule may not come from the usual suspects. Indiana has emerged as a legitimate contender after a national-title run and has quickly earned respect under Curt Cignetti, enough to make this matchup feel like more than just another checkpoint on Ohio States path. For a team trying to get back on top of the Big Ten, the challenge may arrive in a place Buckeye fans might not have circled first. [Read more 🡒]