Wed Jan 22 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## SEC’s Reign of College Football Dominance May Be Over, Says Booger McFarland

**[City, State] –** Former LSU standout and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland believes the SEC’s long-standing dominance in college football is coming to an end. In a recent appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, McFarland attributed the shift to the impact of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

“I’m not going to apologize for the SEC’s dominance,” McFarland stated, “but I think the years where the SEC, and to an extent the ACC with Clemson, dominated college football are over.”

McFarland argues that the ability of Southern schools to stockpile talent is diminishing. He explained that players are now more likely to choose schools offering immediate playing time and lucrative NIL deals, regardless of conference affiliation. He cited the example of five-star recruit Bryce Underwood, who flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan at the last minute, influenced by significant NIL opportunities.

“You can go to Penn State, Oregon, or Michigan and play right now, and they’ll pay you $250,000,” McFarland said, highlighting the changing landscape of college recruiting. “That’s never going to end.”

The SEC’s absence from the national championship game this year, coupled with several disappointing playoff and bowl performances, further supports McFarland’s assertion. While acknowledging the exceptional period of SEC dominance, he predicts a future with greater parity in college football.

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