On Wednesday afternoon, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey made headlines with a quote that many found hard to take seriously—especially amid growing criticism over the SEC and Big Ten’s influence on the future of the College Football Playoff.
During ongoing discussions about potentially expanding the playoff format, Sankey delivered a pointed remark that sounded more like damage control than a genuine contribution. His comment came as backlash intensifies against what many view as power grabs by college football’s two most dominant conferences.
“If I were just representing the SEC, we’d still have a four-team playoff,” Sankey said, attempting to dismiss claims that the SEC is acting solely in its own interest.
The irony of Sankey’s comment wasn’t lost on fans and analysts. While he claims to be advocating for the broader landscape of college sports, reports suggest the SEC and Big Ten have been pushing for a playoff model that guarantees four automatic bids for each of their conferences. Critics argue that such a structure would weaken competition and exclude deserving teams from other conferences.
If that proposal had been in place in 2024, teams like Missouri or Ole Miss would have qualified for the playoff—despite records and performances that many believe didn’t merit postseason consideration. This hypothetical scenario has only fueled the controversy, with many accusing Sankey of being tone-deaf to the concerns of fans and other conference leaders.
Unsurprisingly, Sankey’s comments sparked a wave of reactions on social media, where users called out what they saw as arrogance and hypocrisy.
This man loves to listen to himself. And people give him the platform. And Big 12 and ACC are just pawns. https://t.co/gzF9nKiLfH
— Tim Santoro (@timothyfsantoro) February 19, 2025
Lol yeah the SEC has gotten nothing out of expansion. Weasel words. https://t.co/9gnfo4pSqA
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) February 19, 2025
One problem…
— Marc Londo (O.T.B. Productions) 🇺🇦 🇺🇸 (@mlondo856) February 19, 2025
If @GregSankey is really thinking about the rest of college sports, then @brettyormark and Jim Phillips should be in these meetings,
Those conferences (@theACC and the @Big12Conference) have just as many teams and just as much a claim to the sport and its history. pic.twitter.com/xqxcc3NFhs
Don’t buy this shit. https://t.co/pLARZi00uX
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) February 19, 2025
Many fans feel the sport is being reshaped by power conferences with little regard for fairness or tradition. As one user bluntly put it:
“I refuse to be force-fed the SEC and Big Ten cartels. They are ruining college football for everyone else.”
Despite the pushback, Sankey and the SEC show no signs of backing down. But the battle over the future of college football is far from over.
