What happened: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban drew criticism after taking a shot at the Big Ten's overall depth during an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show.' Saban argued the SEC is deeper, claiming the Big Ten has three top teams and 'then nothing.'
Why it matters: The remarks highlight an escalating rivalry between the two power conferences. The Big Ten has claimed the last three national championships, while the SEC has not appeared in any of those title games.
By the numbers: All 16 SEC teams opened the 2026 season with victories, including LSU's 51-10 win over Clemson and Ole Miss's 41-38 win against Louisville. The conference currently holds nine spots in the Top 25.
What to watch: Watch for how Big Ten programs respond to the remarks as cross-conference playoff positioning intensifies.