College Football's biggest story isn't NIL. It's the SEC-Big Ten feud

As the 2026 college football season approaches, the piece argues the biggest story isn’t NIL or the transfer portal, but the ongoing feud between the SEC and the Big Ten. The article cites comments from SEC figures including Nick Saban, as well as Big Ten responses from commissioner Tony Petitti and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti. It points to a contrast in recent championship presence: the Big Ten has produced the last three national champions—Indiana, Ohio State and Michigan—while the SEC hasn’t had a team in the title game since Georgia won in 2022. The article also highlights perceived depth concerns in the Big Ten, noting competitive matchups involving teams like Mississippi State, Arkansas, Purdue and Maryland.