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Illinois’ Bret Bielema critiques SEC at Big Ten media days

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 11:21 PM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

Illinois’ Bret Bielema critiques SEC at Big Ten media days

Summary

The Big Ten's football media days began on July 28 at the Chicago Hilton, featuring news conferences from commissioner Tony Petitti and several coaches. Illinois coach Bret Bielema criticized the SEC, suggesting it is stuck in a 2005 mentality regarding college football's evolution, particularly with the impacts of NIL and the transfer portal. Petitti emphasized the competitiveness of the Big Ten and its recent success in the College Football Playoff, while also discussing efforts related to the Protect College Sports Act. The remaining coaches and players from the Big Ten will address the media in the following days.

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Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Big Ten media days started on July 28 in Chicago.
•Bielema commented on SEC's outdated perspectives on college football.
•Petitti spoke on the Big Ten's playoff success and competitiveness.
•Conversations on the Protect College Sports Act continue among conferences.
•More Big Ten coaches and players will speak through July 30.

Latest Updates

11:21 PMYahoo Sports — Big Ten media days: Illinois’ Bret Bielema says SEC wants to live in 2005; Tony Petitti talks CFP expansion

What they're saying

"
CHICAGO — The Big Ten kicked off its three-day football media event Tuesday at the Chicago Hilton with a news conference from commissioner Tony Petitti. One-third of the Big Ten’s 18 coaches, including Illinois’ Bret Bielema, also held news conferences, and players from their schools met with reporters. The remaining coaches and players will speak Wednesday and Thursday. As the Big Ten gets ...
— Yahoo Sports

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