The four major college football conferences—SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12—are currently engaged in a clash over their differing views on the College Football Playoff (CFP) format. None of them is on the same page, and it doesn’t look like their dispute will end anytime soon.
But among them, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been making quiet noise over the past few days after defending the 5+11 playoff format. Meanwhile, his recent comments about other conference commissioners were so harsh that someone had to respond—and Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark did it in his own style.
Brett Yormark Responds Boldly to Greg Sankey’s Jab on CFP Structure
All four Power conferences met this May for their annual spring meetings, and the tension was hard to miss. Right now, the conferences are split into two groups.
On one end, the Big 12 and ACC support the 5+11 model. This system gives five automatic bids to conference champions and 11 at-large selections. On the other hand, the SEC and Big Ten are pushing for a 16-team format. In their version, the SEC and Big Ten would each get four automatic spots, while the ACC and Big 12 would settle for just two each.
SEC’s Greg Sankey, clearly taking a shot at Big 12 and ACC releasing statements last week after CFP straight-seeding announced
“I don’t lecture others about good of the game. Coordinated press releases about good of the game… I’m looking for ideas to move us forward.”
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) May 26, 2025
Naturally, that didn’t sit well with the ACC and Big 12. Among the frustrated voices, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey appeared to be the most vocal. He recently delivered a fiery message to the other Power Four commissioners — one that felt both highly critical and personal at the same time.
“I don’t need lectures from others about the good of the game — I don’t lecture others about good of the game — or coordinating press releases about the good of the game,” he said. “Ok, you can issue your press statement, but I’m actually looking for ideas to move us forward.”
For Yormark, Greg Sankey’s statement felt like a type of lecture, but he admitted that it entertained him. Wrapping up the Big 12 Spring Meetings in Orlando, he clapped back at Sankey
“We all have thick skin here,” Yormark said. “But the neat thing about our relationship amongst the Power Four commissioners is, we’re going to battle. That’s part of life.”
KEEP READING: Analyst Defends CFP Committee, Questions Greg Sankey’s Push for SEC-Favored Criteria
Now, this tension feels like more than just friendly competition. Believe it or not, it turns into a serious power feud. And unless the committee finds a fair CFP structure soon, this standoff might only get worse. And as Yormark said, we should also get entertained through this ongoing drama.
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