The SEC Media Days, marking the unofficial start of college football, launched on Monday in Atlanta. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey initiated the event with his address at the College Football Hall of Fame, emphasizing the shifting landscape of collegiate athletics following the House vs. NCAA settlement.
The day featured notable speakers such as LSU’s Brian Kelly, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin, and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea, each accompanied by three players from their teams. The discussions are expected to delve into significant issues impacting college football, particularly regarding changes stemming from the settlement.
Sankey’s remarks will focus on three central issues:
1. **College Football Playoff Model**: As anticipation grows for an expansion from 12 to 16 teams in 2026, there is pressure to finalize a new playoff structure before the December 1 deadline. The SEC, alongside the Big 12 and ACC, has proposed a “5-11” model, granting automatic bids to the four power conference champions plus the highest-ranked Group of Six champion, followed by the 11 highest-ranked at-large teams. Meanwhile, the Big Ten supports a model that offers more automatic bids for its own teams and the SEC.
2. **SEC Schedule Model**: Sankey hinted that a decision on whether to adopt an eight or nine-game league schedule by 2026 would be made before this fall, with Kirby Smart advocating for an eight-game schedule to facilitate marquee non-conference matches. Such matchups are deemed valuable by the selection committee when evaluating teams from various conferences.
3. **Transfer Portal Dates**: Sankey expressed the SEC’s preference for a single transfer portal window scheduled from January 2-12, contrary to the Big Ten’s push for one in April following spring football. The outcome rests on whether leagues can agree on timing to avoid a dual-window scenario like last year.
This year’s SEC Media Days underscore the evolving debate around the structure and governance of college football, particularly as it adapts to new legal and competitive realities. The coming discussions promise to shape the future of the sport, potentially leading to a more inclusive and dynamic environment for all participating teams.
As college football continues to evolve, it brings hope for a more equitable and structured approach, affording opportunities for student-athletes while maintaining the traditions that make the sport beloved.