It's been clear for several years that the Big Ten and SEC have separated themselves from the pack as the wealthiest and most powerful conferences in the country. When the conferences agreed to settle the landmark House v. NCAA case last year and pay players revenue shares, they saw an opportunity to lead college athletics into a new era.

When the SEC and Big Ten squabble, like they are now over the College Football Playoff’s future format, it offers a runway for a worthy compromise.

College Football Playoff projections are starting to flow for the 2025 season. Here's how the analysts view the Penn State Nittany Lions.