Conference strength has never been just a talking point -- it's often the story of the season itself. Heading into 2025, the debate over which leagues deserve respect continues to simmer, especially after last year's College Football Playoff field sparked heated arguments that even spilled over into media days this summer. Many questioned whether teams were advantaged or disadvantaged purely because of their conference's reputation.

In the 12-team College Football Playoff era, those perceptions aren't just talking points, they can determine a team's postseason fate. A single slip in a tough league or an undefeated run in a weaker conference can be the difference between making the playoff and missing out on an at-large bid.

Power, depth and consistency are all part of the equation. The

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