Bret Bielema takes shot at his former conference: ‘They kind of want to live in 2005 forever'

During the Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday, Illinois coach Bret Bielema criticized his former conference. Bielema specifically targeted the SEC, stating that they seem to want to live in 2005 forever. This commentary comes as both the Big Ten and the SEC are regarded as the premier conferences in college football as the sports landscape prepares for the 2026 season. The coach's remarks highlighted a perceived lack of evolution within the SEC organization.