SMU, Big Ten Coaches Criticize SEC Scheduling, Depth

During the 2025 college football media days, SMU coach Rhett Lashlee and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti both criticized the SEC, challenging its perceived depth and scheduling practices. Lashlee argued that the SEC is "top-heavy," as only a handful of teams have won championships since 1964, contrasting it with the ACC's broader competitiveness despite its recent struggles in bowl games and playoffs. Cignetti took aim at the SEC's scheduling philosophy, noting many SEC teams play multiple games against Group of Five or FCS opponents, and suggested adopting a similar schedule for Indiana, while advocating for the Big Ten to receive four automatic qualifiers in the College Football Playoff. Critics pointed out that Lashlee's claims about the SEC's lack of depth overlook the conference's strength beyond just championship winners and that the SEC has had seven different champions since 1964 when considering co-champions and sanctions. The debate highlights ongoing tensions among power conferences regarding the strength of schedule, playoff access, and perceptions of conference competitiveness as the 12-team College Football Playoff continues to evolve.