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Urban Meyer makes quite the statement about Ohio State and the Big Ten that will ruffle some feathers in the SEC world

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 20, 2025 1:07 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes winning the National Championship last season marked the second consecutive title for the Big Ten, following Michigan’s win the previous year. It’s especially interesting that the National Championship shifted from one side of The Game to the other.

Despite losing to Michigan for a fourth straight time last season, Ohio State rebounded by winning four consecutive games to secure Ryan Day’s first National Championship.

Once again, the Big Ten was well represented in the College Football Playoff. Oregon held the No. 1 ranking for most of the season and didn’t lose until the CFP matchup against Ohio State. The offseason is prime time for bold takes, and former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has offered one about the state of the Big Ten.

“Well, you know what the SEC’s done? It’s raised the level,” Meyer said recently. “But the Big Ten has passed the SEC at the upper part. If you would have told me that 10 years ago, I would’ve said it’s not even close because it’s not.”

Meyer argued that the top-tier programs in the Big Ten have surpassed those in the SEC. That comparison places Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan against programs like Alabama, Texas, Georgia, LSU, and Florida—some of which, like LSU and Florida, have underperformed in recent years.

With the rise of NIL, college football has become more balanced. Top players are following the money, which is more widely distributed across programs. While elite schools still recruit top talent, the days of any one program consistently landing seven or more five-star recruits in a class may be behind us.

Meyer’s opinion carries weight, given his success coaching—and winning—at the highest levels in both the Big Ten and the SEC.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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