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Tim Brando joins Dan Dakich on ‘Don’t @ Me’ to discuss Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s CFP ‘bias’ comments
The first 2026 College Football Playoff rankings triggered debate over team placements and claims of favouritism towards the SEC. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti accused the committee of giving southeastern teams “a lot of love from ESPN”; commentator Tim Brando discussed the claim with Dan Dakich, arguing that broadcasters are not consciously promoting the SEC.
Brando said broadcasters can develop a league-centred perspective because they work in a bubble covering the SEC. He thinks the Big 12 and ACC have grounds to complain about being dismissed, while the Big Ten does not, and described the Big 12 as more competitive than the Big Ten without necessarily being better overall. He said there is no instruction for ESPN personalities to favour any league, though subconscious bias may occur.
In short
- The 2026 playoff rankings reignited debate over SEC favouritism.
- Tim Brando said broadcasters may develop subconscious league bias.
- He said the Big 12 and ACC have stronger complaints than the Big Ten.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Cignetti’s criticism has a reasonable basis if coverage and rankings repeatedly appear to favour SEC teams: broadcasters who spend much of their time covering one league may develop a league-centred perspective without intending to. The Big 12 and ACC can therefore argue that their teams deserve fairer scrutiny and that subconscious bias may shape how achievements are discussed.
The case against
Brando’s account suggests that apparent favouritism does not establish deliberate promotion: there is no instruction for ESPN personalities to favour a league, and a perception of bias can arise from close familiarity rather than a coordinated effort. He also distinguishes between leagues, arguing that the Big 12 and ACC have stronger grounds to complain than the Big Ten, while noting that greater competitiveness does not necessarily mean a league is better overall.