Early College Football Playoff rankings have drawn criticism from Big Ten coaches, who feel the system favors Southeastern Conference teams, according to a column by Paul Sullivan published November 9, 2026. Sullivan writes that the initial rankings have "gotten under the skin" of Big Ten coaches, highlighting a perceived SEC bias in the selection process.
The controversy centers on the placement of several SEC programs ahead of Big Ten counterparts with similar records, fueling debate about conference strength and scheduling. Big Ten coaches have privately expressed frustration, though no official protests have been filed.
The CFP selection committee has not publicly responded to the criticism. The rankings will be updated weekly through the remainder of the season.
