Urban Meyer Reveals Best Conference in College Football Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 5:40 PM ET

The Florida Gators were a force of nature under head coach Urban Meyer, winning two national titles in 2006 and 2008.

In 2012, Meyer left the SEC for the Big Ten when he accepted the head coaching position with the Ohio State Buckeyes. While he agreed that the SEC was the better conference at the time, he shifted gears on a recent episode of "The Triple Option."

Meyer said that the Big Ten was now the premier conference in college football, especially after passing the SEC in the national titles.

Despite programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs having dominant stretches, the Big Ten has 32 national titles to the SEC's 27.

"In 2012, I went to the Big Ten," Meyer said. "I think you came 2 or 3 years later. I was shocked when I first got there, coming from the SEC, at just the quality of football from stadium experiences. You know, there were great players, but not enough great players. Now, fast forward, and I think the Big Ten has passed the SEC. Obviously, they have in national championships."

Ohio State was last season's national champion after beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23. It was the Buckeyes' first national title since 2014, when Meyer was still the head coach in Columbus.

Since the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014, other conferences, such as the Big Ten and ACC, have had teams win national titles. The Clemson Tigers won titles in 2016 and 2018, defeating Alabama both times.

Michigan last won a title in 2023, defeating the Washington Huskies 34-13.

Meyer had some kind words to say about his former program, Florida. On a recent episode, he said that former Gators receiver Percy Harvin was the greatest player of all time.

Things are looking up for Florida after Billy Napier secured his first winning season and bowl win.

The Gators are targeting massive recruits like five-star safety Jireh Edwards from the 2026 class. Edwards recently announced Florida as one of his finalists.

Florida opens the 2025 season against Long Island on August 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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