If Big 12 fans didn't already have enough reason to dislike SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, they've been gifted another by the man himself.
Sankey has already positioned himself as a leader in the fight to change the College Football Playoff -- the postseason tournament's format has already changed ahead of the 2025 season in a way that removes a major advantage from the Big 12 and ACC.
And while Sankey remains uncommitted to what the SEC supports for a playoff format for the 2026 season and beyond, it's not hard to envision him being on board with the model supported by the Big 10 that would give both the Big 10 and SEC four auto bids while the Big 12 and ACC each only get two auto bids, leaving three at-large opportunities that would also likely go to SEC and Big 10 programs -- the model has received negative reactions from those not associated with those leagues.
But on Thursday, Sankey took his attacks on the Big 12 and ACC to another level as the SEC distributed to the media a multi-page document titled "A regular season gauntlet" -- the document is filled with data previously shared with SEC ADs, presidents, and football coaches that outline why the conference is "not like any other" and how it's schedule "stands alone."
"I do think there is a need for change. How do you explain some of the decisions made," Sankey questioned.
The data in the document included graphics demonstrating the number of teams among all four power conferences that rank in the Top 50 of Average Strength of Record over the past 10 seasons, as well as those that rank inside the Top 50 in Average Massey Rating over the past 10 seasons. The argument being made is that due to SEC teams being disproportionately ranked higher in such ratings than other power conferences, SEC programs should earn more bids in the College Football Playoff than other conferences.
This seems to be a part of a larger concerted effort by those within the SEC and the Big 10 to ensure that the future format of the College Football Playoff is packed to the brim with programs from their leagues, while programs in the ACC, Big 12, and Group of Five are limited in the opportunities they receive to play for a national championship.