During its early years, the College Football Playoff (CFP) used to ask, “Who’s In?” and the answer once held weight.

If you haven’t heard by now, the CFP announced it will expand to a 24-team playoff in 2027, significantly devaluing the once-greatest regular season in all of sports. 

Unfortunately, the disappointment doesn’t stop there. The new format eliminates the need for conference championship games, axing one of the most exciting and unique aspects of college football.

The Big Ten Championship Game was created in 2011, and for 13 seasons, it featured the beast of the Big Ten East battling the best of the Big Ten West in Indianapolis before ultimately evolving into the top two overall teams facing off.

It wasn’t perfect, by any means, but watching rivalry week with everything on the line certainly was.

Take me back to 2016.

Ohio State and Michigan were in the midst of an instant classic. Penn State fans watched intently, needing a Buckeye win to help pave the way for a Big Ten Championship Game berth to continue a magical season.

In double overtime, Ohio State receiver Curtis Samuel broke free, skipped into the end zone, and secured the win for the scarlet and gray.

Meanwhile, in Happy Valley, Michigan State was in town for a 3:30 p.m. game. The blue and white faithful at Beaver Stadium watched “The Game” on their phones and erupted in jubilation at the result.

Penn State handled business, and the Nittany Lions headed to Naptown.

A similar thing happened in 2024, when a wave of cheers erupted from the tailgate lots after Michigan, this time, had knocked off Ohio State in a stunning upset, allowing Penn State a chance to clinch with a victory over Maryland.

Penn Staters hugged and high-fived one another over the opportunity to play in the Big Ten championship game.

If you haven’t caught on yet, moments like these meant something.

I road-tripped with my parents to Indianapolis for the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game. To this day, it remains the best sporting event I have ever witnessed.

The Nittany Lions overcame an improbable 21-point comeback to win the title, putting Penn State in a real position to make its first College Football Playoff appearance.

Go back and watch James Franklin’s postgame interview during the trophy presentation. I promise it will give you the chills.

Heroes are born in conference championships. Former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley became “The Wizard” after a 384-yard, four-touchdown day.

And what about Michigan State’s nine-plus-minute game-winning drive in 2015 to defeat Iowa, capped off by Spartan running back LJ Scott’s outstretched arm reaching across the goal line?

Or even just last year, when the underdog Hoosiers upset the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes to keep their miracle undefeated year alive?

It’s not just about the football, either. The Big Ten Championship Game was a cultural event. 

Midwest football fans from all teams descended on Lucas Oil Stadium to tailgate, take part in Fan Fest, and enjoy a December weekend the way only they know how.

As much as I’ll be mourning the Big Ten Championship Game in this new era of college football, the death of the SEC title game is equally depressing.

The SEC championship game predated the Big Ten’s version by about 20 years and was always viewed as a marquee event on the sports calendar.

For years, it was viewed as the de facto national championship, and fans could count on an entertaining viewing experience when they tuned in.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

College football is ever-evolving. But to be quite frank, the direction it’s headed is one that seems destined to bring about a dark era in the game we hold so dear.

Fans make up the soul of college football, but money is at the root of everything. And as long as we keep paying to watch, we’ll keep getting the short end of the stick. 

Not watching is not an option for me, so I guess I should buckle up for the ride.

Rest in peace, conference championship era. May we meet again real soon.

About the Author