SEC’s Dominance Ends: Clemson’s Fall and 24-Team CFP Expansion

College football never really sits still, does it? The Big Ten’s recent dominance in the College Football Playoff (CFP) has shaken things up, forcing the SEC to take a long look in the mirror and leaving folks wondering what’s next for teams like Clemson.

This post pokes around the current state of college football, from the Big Ten’s rise to Clemson’s struggles, and what all this might mean for the sport’s future. There’s a lot to unpack, honestly.

The Big Ten’s Ascendancy: A Wake-Up Call for the SEC

The Big Ten has owned the CFP for three straight years. That’s a big change from the SEC’s usual spot at the top.

At first, people thought it was a fluke, but after last season, it’s hard to call it anything but a trend. The SEC’s postseason record—2-8 when not playing each other—makes it tough for even die-hard fans to ignore what’s happening.

Postseason Woes and Draft Disappointments

It’s not just the CFP. The SEC hasn’t made the national championship game in three seasons running. Their grip on the NFL draft is slipping, too.

According to Dane Brugler’s rankings, the Big Ten now has more top-tier draft prospects than the SEC. Only two SEC players cracked the top 15, and ten made the top 32, compared to the Big Ten’s seven and twelve, respectively. That’s a pretty clear shift.

Challenges Ahead for the SEC

The SEC’s got a lot on its plate. NIL deals and the transfer portal have made it harder for them to stockpile talent like they used to.

LSU and a few others are throwing cash at the problem, but who knows if that’s enough to turn things around? The new nine-game conference schedule just adds more chances to rack up losses.

Future Prospects and Potential Resurgence

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom for the SEC. They lead with 32 players in the Top 100 draft prospects, while the Big Ten sits at 26.

Their depth is still impressive, and with some smart moves, maybe they’ll claw their way back. But nothing’s guaranteed in this game.

Clemson: The Next Nebraska?

Clemson used to be a juggernaut, but lately, it’s been rough. From 2015 to 2018, they were almost unbeatable. Now? Not so much.

They haven’t finished higher than No. 13 in the AP poll since 2020, and last year’s 7-6 record stings. It’s a steep drop, no way around it.

The Dabo Swinney Era: A Turning Point

Dabo Swinney took Clemson to incredible heights, but the recent slide has people wondering if it’s time for a change. The fall feels eerily similar to Nebraska’s slow fade from powerhouse to also-ran.

If Clemson wants to avoid the same fate, they’ll need to adapt to the new realities of college football. Maybe that means a new voice leading the way, maybe not. It’s anyone’s guess.

The Big Ten’s Proposal: A 24-Team CFP

The Big Ten wants to blow up the CFP and expand it to 24 teams, scrapping conference title games. That’s a wild idea, especially when you remember 18.3 million people tuned in for last season’s Ohio State-Indiana Big Ten championship.

Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks is all for it, seeing a bigger Playoff as a chance for more networks to get a piece of the pie. Still, giving up those big-title games seems like a head-scratcher.

Financial Implications and Strategic Considerations

The Big Ten seems pretty sure the extra CFP money will cover what they’d lose from dropping conference championships. Commissioner Tony Petitti is betting on it.

The SEC, though, doesn’t seem eager to jump to 24 teams by 2029. Their current setup is still making them plenty of cash, so why rush?

Michigan vs. North Dakota State: A Fan’s Dilemma

Here’s a fun one: Will Michigan win another national championship before North Dakota State (NDSU) wins a CFP game? Mike M. and plenty of fans have kicked this around.