There is an ongoing power tussle between the conferences. There are reports that the ACC and the Big 12 conference don’t have equal say as the SEC and Big Ten do in decision-making. The playoff format is the latest topic raising tensions around the college football world.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey recently made remarks about “coordinating press releases” from the Big 12 and ACC in response to recent meetings and proposals regarding the College Football Playoff. But an executive from the Big 12 conference has shut the claim down.
Big 12 Executive Debunks Claims Made by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey
Speaking to the media ahead of the annual SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey about the College Football Playoff, including a proposed format that would expand the playoff field to 16. He also made a statement that prompted a reaction from the VP of Communications & Strategy, Big 12 conference, Clark Williams.
“I don’t need lectures from others about the good of the game… or coordinating press releases about the good of the game,” Sankey said on Monday. “You can issue your press statement, but I’m actually looking for ideas to move us forward.”
There was no press release from the Big 12 — let alone a coordinated one with the ACC — regarding straight seeding. https://t.co/v7njbCFAFr
— Clark Williams (@_CEWilliams_) May 27, 2025
Williams responded to this quote by saying, “There was no press release from the Big 12 — let alone a coordinated one with the ACC — regarding straight seeding.”
The new playoff format proposal would have four SEC teams, four Big Ten teams, two Big 12 teams, two ACC teams, one Group of Six team, and three automatic bids. Naturally, the Big 12 and ACC want an even distribution of the slots.
Although there have been no joint statements issued, individuals have voiced out their opinions or concerns about the new format. NC State football coach Dave Doeran says that the ACC deserves at least three Automatic qualifiers.
North Carolina’s athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, and Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, believe that the proposal is lopsided. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, meanwhile, has refrained from publicly voicing his opinion.
“I remain steadfast about fairness in the system and access,” Phillips said, according to Yahoo Sports. “Out of respect from my colleagues, I want to hold off on commenting about AQs and specific models.”
While the ACC and Big 12 naturally want a larger slice of the CFP pie and an increased influence on decision-making processes, the resolution of the tussle remains yet to be seen.
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