This take completely misses how modern college football actually works. The SEC still has six teams in this top 25, more than any other conference, and Georgia at number two. Their dominance isn't gone, it's just that the playoff expansion and portal have leveled the playing field for programs with strong development like Oregon and Indiana. Oregon's recruiting class finished 3rd nationally last year, and their quarterback room is stacked with elite talent. Indiana's defensive SP+ rating was top five last season, and they return nine starters. The idea that the SEC "used to mean something" ignores that Alabama just won a national title two years ago and Georgia was in the playoff last year. Conferences aren't weak because other leagues get better, that's just progress. The Big Ten and ACC have invested heavily, and their top teams now have the roster talent to compete annually. It's not about brands chasing money, it's about programs like Oregon building a roster with a 90% talent level that can go toe-to-toe with anyone. The SEC's collective schedule strength is still brutal, but pretending other conferences can't produce elite teams is just clinging to outdated narratives.