The Big Ten Conference got a big boost with each of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington joining in 2024 amid a flurry of realignment changes.
Will Backus of CBS Sports ranked the conferences from best to worst, and the Big Ten Conference was second behind the SEC.
Here’s what they wrote about the ranking:
The Big Ten isn’t too far behind. Though it might not have the SEC’s sheer quantity, the nation’s most expansive conference does keep pace when it comes to heavy hitters. No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon were the only non-Georgia teams to receive first-place votes in the AP poll, and both are seen as a legitimate threat to bring the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy back to Big Ten country for a second year in a row. Reigning champion Michigan isn’t far behind, though the Wolverines lost a lot to the NFL, and Penn State has a chance to pounce now that the divisional format is a thing of the past. Newcomers USC (No. 23 in the AP poll) and Washington, which won’t open the year ranked after its run to the national title game last year, bring some intrigue as well. And never discount Iowa. The Hawkeyes are always liable to punt their way to 10 wins and playoff contention.
After the Big Ten was the Big 12, ACC, and AAC.