Sports
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Slams ACC, Big 12 Over Playoff Expansion Pushback
Sankey calls out “coordinated press releases” as College Football Playoff expansion talks spark tension among Power 5 conferences
At the SEC spring meetings on Monday, Commissioner Greg Sankey didn’t hold back. With college football’s postseason undergoing transformative discussions, Sankey took direct aim at the ACC and Big 12, accusing them of posturing through “coordinated press releases” rather than offering constructive input.
The backdrop to Sankey’s criticism is the ongoing debate surrounding the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion. Recently, FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director approved a significant shift: moving to a straight-seeding model that no longer guarantees first-round byes to conference champions. Now, the focus is on potentially expanding the field to 14 or 16 teams and determining the distribution of automatic bids.
Sankey, alongside Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, plays a central role in shaping this future. But his frustrations on Monday were pointed—particularly at conferences who have vocally opposed aspects of the new structure.
“I don’t need lectures from others about the ‘good of the game,’” Sankey told reporters. “And coordinating press releases about it? You can issue a statement—but I’m looking for ideas to move us forward.”
His comments were a not-so-subtle jab at the ACC and Big 12, who have appeared unified in expressing concern over the evolving power dynamics in college football. With the SEC and Big Ten viewed as dominant forces, smaller conferences are seeking ways to retain influence. For many of them, strategic media messaging may be their last remaining leverage.
Critics argue that Sankey’s remarks reflect a dismissive attitude toward collaboration. While he claims to be open to ideas, the reality is that the SEC and Big Ten often control the narrative and direction of the sport. The coordinated messaging from the ACC and Big 12, however modest, is a sign of resistance—a rare pushback in a landscape largely defined by the will of the two super-conferences.
With billions in media rights and the future of the postseason on the line, every public statement—and counterstatement—matters. As the playoff picture continues to evolve, so too does the balance of power in college football.