Greg Sankey reinforces that SEC in no rush to expand beyond 16, focused on present
The SEC began modern conference realignment back in the summer of 2021, adding Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12. Since then, the Big 12 has made massive additions, equaling the SEC at 16 schools. Move up North (and now West) with the Big Ten and they sit at 18 programs. The ACC is even attempting to get in on the expansion party too.
Chaos has unfolded since 2021 SEC Media Days. However, the most recent moves have had nothing to do with the SEC. The Big Ten moving into the West Coast with four new programs has brought questions to Greg Sankey about the SEC’s next move.
His answer for the time being? Absolutely nothing.
“I’m not a recruiter,” Sankey said during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. “I’ve said that repeatedly. We have a responsibility to look, from an interest standpoint, at what’s happening around us. What we did last week behind the scenes was have different types of daily communication with our campuses to say ‘Here’s what we understand is taking place.’ At the end of the week, we concluded with a video conference of our presidents and chancellors. For me, speaking today on their behalf, really strong alignment with that group.
“Very clear that there’s not something out there that we should be reaching for or engaging in… The focus is on the Southeastern Conference. How we build upon our strength, how we prepare for the year that is ahead. We’re going to be starting soccer here in the matter of days and football in the matter of weeks. And then go look at our future when we grow to 16.”
For one final season, the SEC will have 14 teams in all of their athletic events. From a football standpoint, the divisions will play out for the winners of the East and West to meet in Atlanta. And then, the future will be here with Texas and Oklahoma making the jump over.
There has been plenty of chatter on who could be added to the SEC in the future. Florida State has made their position with the ACC clear and Clemson is thought to want out as well. Reports have indicated that North Carolina and Virginia could be the more attractive options, though.
Greg Sankey does not seem too interested in adding any of them, at least for the time being. He wants to let the 16-team league play out and see how the SEC compares to the new-look Big Ten, Big 12, and potentially the ACC.