The landscape of college football is changing as schools and conferences seek ways to improve financial outcomes. Conference realignment has gained momentum with schools like USC and UCLA seeking to catch up financially with peers in the Big Ten or SEC. College Football Playoff expansion is another focal point as school leaders see potential for increased revenue by adding more games and participants.
Beyond these adjustments, a larger discussion centers on the role of the NCAA and its current structure. Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti shared his views during the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days. Some speculate the Power Four conferences should leave the NCAA to establish their own organization.
Kirk Herbstreit discussed the potential for a new entity that includes a collective bargaining agreement with players, addressing issues like name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Herbstreit proposed, “I think the Power Four needs to break away, create their own world. Establish a new governing body and organize separate playoffs.” He suggested creating a new level for the Power Four, similar to the FCS and Division II dynamics. This model would involve a new commissioner and possibly unionizing players to create a collective bargaining agreement and avoid antitrust complications.
In line with these discussions, some suggest the Big Ten and SEC should form their own arrangements. Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard notably suggested they break away from these superconferences altogether.
“Let them break away,” Pollard stated, indicating separation should apply to all sports, not just football. “If you’re going to do it, you don’t get to just do it in football and then keep all your other sports with us.”
These tensions highlight the complex dynamics between the leading conferences and others within the Power Four. While some argue that the Big Ten and SEC are indispensable due to their value, others see the value in the contributions of Big 12 and ACC as well. Disagreements on revenue distribution are inevitable as everyone seeks the largest possible financial share.
While a complete separation of the Big Ten and SEC may seem improbable, it’s becoming likely that the Power Four will eventually establish independence from the NCAA.
Ian Miller, writer at OutKick, provides further insight into these developments.