Dabo Swinney Takes Jab At College Football Playoff Race: ‘We Basically Have an SEC-Big Ten Invitational’
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney recently took aim at the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, criticizing its tendency to favor teams from the SEC and Big Ten conferences. In a candid statement, Swinney remarked that the playoff race has essentially become an “SEC-Big Ten Invitational,” pointing out the limited representation from other conferences, such as the ACC, Pac-12, or Big 12.
“I think it’s pretty clear. We basically have an SEC-Big Ten Invitational now,” Swinney said. “If you’re not in one of those two leagues, it’s an uphill battle. The system has become skewed to where it’s all about the same two conferences. It’s frustrating because college football is a lot bigger than just those two conferences.”
Swinney’s comments come at a time when the SEC and Big Ten continue to dominate the CFP conversation. In recent years, teams from these two power conferences have consistently filled the four-team playoff field, with little to no room for teams from outside their borders. The expansion of the Big Ten and SEC with new members — like USC, UCLA, Texas, and Oklahoma — only adds to the concentration of power in these conferences, further fueling Swinney’s criticism.
The Clemson coach has long been a vocal advocate for the ACC and its programs, noting the competitive nature of his own team, which has won two national titles under his leadership. Swinney also expressed concern about the lack of diversity in the playoff selection process, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the sport by favoring teams from two conferences while disregarding the strength of other programs.
“I don’t know if it’s intentional, but it’s become a trend,” he added. “You look at the way the rankings have gone, and it’s tough to see how a team like ours or other top-tier programs from outside the SEC and Big Ten can get a fair shot.”
With the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams set for the 2024 season, many believe the new format will provide more opportunities for teams from a broader range of conferences. However, Swinney’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the fairness and representation in college football’s postseason landscape.
