Greg Sankey, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Commissioner, is recognized as one of the most powerful figures in college sports, thanks to the significant influence he wields and the resources of the conference he leads. The SEC, widely regarded as one of the most formidable conferences in college athletics, has made Sankey a key player in shaping the sport’s future. When the SEC, headed by Sankey, and the Big Ten, led by Tony Petitti, formed an advisory group in February, it sent shockwaves through the college sports community.
The two conferences are set to convene next month in Nashville, Tennessee, with their athletic directors meeting to discuss topics such as “the House vs. NCAA settlement, the new college football playoff format and a possible postseason scheduling agreement.” This high-profile meeting has drawn mixed reactions from college football enthusiasts, as many see it as a power move that could have a major impact on the sport’s structure and future.
College football fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) voiced their opinions on what they see as Sankey and Petitti consolidating power. One user commented, “You mean espn and fox are meeting to talk about their plans for college football.” Others expressed frustration with current scheduling practices and suggested changes: “Make the SEC play one more conference game then have cross-conference scheduling. The current scheduling is horrible and desperately needs an update.”
Some fans even speculated that this collaboration could alter the landscape of college sports, with one predicting, “It’s only a matter of time before the SEC and Big 10 demote the ACC and Big 12 to the G5 level while taking their best teams.” Another fan, reflecting a growing sentiment of discontent, tweeted, “SEC & Big Ten: start your own freaking league and let the rest enjoy college Football.”
Greg Sankey and Tony Petitti have positioned themselves as the central figures during this transformative period for college sports. Sankey’s assertive leadership was first highlighted in 2021 when the SEC’s decision to add the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners set off a chain of realignment and expansion moves that continue to shape the sport today. This move underscored Sankey’s role as a key decision-maker and change agent in college football.
During the SEC’s spring meetings in June, Sankey elaborated on his approach to leadership, balancing assertiveness with diplomacy. He recalled telling conference presidents, “There are times when I think I have a correct perspective that I’m clear in sharing, but I think this becomes a we issue.” Sankey further explained, “You expect me to be a statesman, there’s times you have to be forceful,” reflecting on the challenges he faces as a leader. He acknowledged that this leadership style sometimes prompts backlash, noting, “That doesn’t mean I haven’t had a phone call from one of my colleagues saying, ‘Why did you do this?’ or ‘Why did you say that?’ That’s OK. That’s the way this big college athletics issue that involves 32 Division 1 conferences … that’s the way it works. That’s our reality.”
The SEC and Big Ten have since aligned on a new college football playoff revenue distribution model, which further distinguishes them as the premier conferences in college sports. Their agreement on financial matters solidifies their dominance, ensuring that they maintain a critical role in shaping the future of the sport.
