That can cut either way. Yes, it is harder to beat teams like OU, Nebraska, K-State, Texas, etc. than it is to beat schools like Tulsa, San Jose State, Fresno, and ther other mid majors. No doubt about that.
However, a more powerful conference also gives you more resources to use to get back on track. More things to interest recruits such as TV appearances, bowl tie ins, chances to play against elite opponents, etc.
Anyway, the bottom line here is that it is ridiculous for anyone to think that it is a slam dunk for a recruit to pick SMU over Baylor right now. Obviously there will be recruits who do it, but it's simply not automatic.
TC