The SEC just put 11 teams in bowl games and its non-Alabama/Georgia tier still out-recruits the Big 12's top tier annually. Look at the average team talent composite, the SEC's middle packs more four and five-stars. The Big 12's parity often comes from a lack of a true elite ceiling, not just depth. Your portal argument has merit, but sustained playoff success requires the top-end talent the SEC still produces at a higher rate. Until a Big 12 team consistently contends for national titles, the SEC's recent championship count is the definitive stats.