ESPN personality busted on social media for inaccurately trying to promote the SEC's strength of schedule

Joel Klatt and Colin Cowherd discuss Indiana’s pursuit of being the first 16-0 team ever in CFB, Miami’s odds of causing an upset, whether or not the Big Ten has surpassed the SEC, and how Alabama QB Ty Simpson will fare in the draft.

Well, this isn't going to help ESPN beat the allegations.

It's something of an open secret that ESPN wants the SEC to be the dominant powerhouse in college football. Now that ESPN is the home of most SEC television broadcasts, along with the producer of the SEC Network, it's become abundantly clear that they have a vested interest in promoting the conference and its teams.

The more SEC teams are ranked in the polls, the more "games between ranked teams" they can advertise. The more teams that reach the College Football Playoff, the better for the network. Potentially in terms of future promotion and current ratings. Their advocacy has real meaning, both in terms of fan perception and, as many believe, with the playoff selection committee.

INDIANA'S CURT CIGNETTI ROASTS THE SEC AS ESPN STARTS THEIR PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN ALREADY: 'WE DON'T WHINE'

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer reacts after a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn said as much last season, arguing that the Alabama Crimson Tide were included after a blowout loss to Georgia primarily because ESPN worked so hard, with Greg Sankey and several coaches, to sell the narrative that even reaching the SEC Championship Game was an unimaginable accomplishment. Ignore that non-competitive loss to an awful Florida State team. Kirk Herbstreit went on a tirade during the