The Big Ten is pushing back on the criticism that it is “top-heavy,” arguing that perceptions of conference depth are unfair. Yahoo Sports reports that Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti addresses the broader debate over which college football conference is strongest, noting that recent College Football Playoff championships reflect strength across the league rather than only at the top. Petitti points to three recent national titles: Michigan winning in 2023, Ohio State winning in 2024, and Indiana winning in 2025. In contrast, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has argued that its depth is a reason it can claim conference supremacy despite the Big Ten winning the past three national championship games. The argument centers on how to measure conference strength—whether by the breadth of elite programs or by recent championship outcomes. The Big Ten’s position is that championship results demonstrate competitiveness from top to bottom, disputing the idea that its overall profile is driven mainly by a few top teams.