The SEC’s fans, media outlets, and especially its commissioner need to come to terms with the reality that has been evident throughout this college football season.

The landscape of college football has dramatically shifted. The long-held belief that SEC football is on another level compared to other conferences is more fiction than truth now.

Isn’t acknowledging a problem the first step towards improvement? Let’s be clear—the SEC has become primarily a basketball conference.

Alright, that might be a bit harsh. However, the recent game where Notre Dame beat Georgia 23 to 10 will be remembered for a long time, particularly in light of the SEC’s disappointing postseason.

Just recently, prominent figures within ESPN advocated the notion that the SEC, a vital partner in college athletics, was being overlooked by the College Football Playoff selection committee due to their only having three teams in the playoffs.

Now, the SEC only has one team left—Texas, which wasn’t even part of the conference a year ago—and they barely made it to the semifinals after a tense fourth-and-13. Coupled with the SEC’s poor 1-4 postseason record against the Big Ten, it’s clear that times have changed. This is a new reality.

Skeptics might argue that since players can now be compensated, the SEC no longer has a special advantage when it comes to recruiting talent. However, a more optimistic view of the current situation suggests that acquiring top talent has become more challenging overall, leading to recruits diversifying their destinations rather than flocking solely to the SEC.

This trend isn’t just evident when comparing the SEC to the Big Ten or Big 12. It’s noticeable within the conference itself.

When Ole Miss attracts players who would typically choose Alabama, South Carolina reels in prospects from Georgia, and Texas A&M picks up talent likely headed to LSU, the overall competition levels out.

This is no longer the SEC of Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, or Kirby Smart.

Back in December 2023, when it seemed possible that the SEC could be excluded from the final four-team playoff, commissioner Greg Sankey appeared on ESPN’s “College GameDay” and stated: “That’s not the real world of college football. Let’s go back to the basics—one of these things is not like the other.”

So, what Sesame Street theme might capture the current situation?

Count von Count might note the following statistics: In three playoff games, the SEC was outscored 96-66 and outgained 1,227-927. Imagine if Texas hadn’t managed to win against an Arizona State team that many SEC coaches deemed unworthy of the playoffs due to not having faced the SEC’s tough schedule.

Right. Sure.

The enjoyment of this situation isn’t simply about cheering for an underdog or against a dominant force. It highlights the unfounded arrogance of thinking the SEC could continue to receive preferential treatment year after year in a sport that is evolving as rapidly as this one.

It is undeniable that the SEC’s strongest teams were overwhelmingly successful from 2006 to 2022, with only a few exceptions along the way.

However, let’s revisit that Sesame Street song, “These are the people in your neighborhood.”

Well, the SEC is not a good neighbor. It disrupts other conferences through expansions, intimidates its counterparts with vague threats of breaking away from traditional college athletics, and seeks postseason structures across all major sports that unfairly favor its teams.

A bit of humility and perspective might be necessary for Commissioner Sankey.

Prior to Thursday’s games, Notre Dame found itself in BCS/CFP environments three times over the last 12 years with these outcomes:

Alabama 42, Notre Dame 14

Clemson 30, Notre Dame 3

Alabama 31, Notre Dame 14

While the SEC cannot solely take credit for Clemson’s performance, it highlights that Notre Dame—an esteemed and historic program—was unable to compete effectively at this level. There was a considerable physical disparity each time.

That’s no longer the case.

This postseason, the SEC has failed to dominate any notable opponent, and the year 2024 began and ended with Alabama losing to Michigan. Although the stakes this week weren’t as high as last season’s semifinals, the accumulating evidence suggests it is no longer valid to argue that the SEC’s best teams possess an overwhelming physical advantage. Even in their victories, Texas faced significant challenges.

Can things change back to favor the SEC? Certainly. Coaches adapt, and programs dissatisfied with their performance will make changes. Eventually, the SEC may regain its top position, as is typical in a healthy sport—it’s all about cycles and competitiveness.

That’s the nature of sports.

What it really should be about is not the sense of entitlement some have, thinking, “we achieved all these victories under different circumstances, so you owe us respect now.” This attitude seems to come too easily to many in that league.

It’s time for a fresh start. It’s time to be truthful. It’s time to acknowledge the reality: You’re just like everyone else now.