ESPN analyst Cam Newton argued Friday that the Southeastern Conference remains the dominant force in college football—not on the field, necessarily, but in the eyes of fans and television viewers. Speaking on First Take, Newton credited the SEC’s consistent television ratings and national appeal for its continued prominence.
“The SEC is not and has not went anywhere,” Newton said. “Why? Because every team in the SEC does more numbers than every team in the Big Ten, and every team in the ACC.”
Newton’s comments come amid ongoing debates over parity in college football. The expansion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has allowed programs across conferences to compete more directly for top talent. The comments also follow the conference only having one team remaining from the conference alive in the college football playoff. Plus an overall bowl record for the conference at 4-8 while the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC hold winning records in bowl games this winter.
While the SEC may no longer hold an unchallenged grip on recruiting and on-field dominance, Newton emphasized that the conference still reigns supreme in fan engagement and television viewership.
“At the end of the day, everybody knows that if you want to go and get put on [television] you still go to the SEC,” Newton said. He contrasted the conference’s draw with programs from the Big Ten and ACC. He referenced teams such as LSU, Alabama, and Georgia as fan favorites.
“However great [Indiana University] Coach Cignetti is, you still know I’m not about to go watch Indiana football. I prefer to go watch LSU, Ole Miss, the great Auburn, Alabama, UGA, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State. Way before I watch a Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa State, man, come on.”
Newton also addressed the impact of NIL on the SEC’s dominance. He noted that while paying players has leveled the playing field somewhat, the conference’s influence over viewership remains strong.
“Is the dominance over? Yes? Why? Is because the ability to pay players now, but they still don’t do the numbers that the SEC does,” Newton said. “The mantra of the SEC might not remind you—it’s just different. You and I both know that.”
Viewership data for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal round is not yet available, but Nielsen data released showed Alabama was the most-watched team this season, averaging around 8.5 million viewers. That was followed by Texas (7.5 million), Georgia (7.5 million). All three teams are in the SEC.
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