Greg Sankey addresses debate between 8, 9-game SEC schedules, stance moving forward

Greg Sankey once again addressed the debate of eight or nine conference games within the SEC Monday. Sankey stuck to his guns about the SEC remaining at eight games against each other, basically based on the non-conference slate.

The commissioner threw out some stats about power opponents for all 16 schools. So if you were hoping the SEC would move to nine games at some point, like the Big Ten, you’ve got another thing coming.

Sankey explained that the SEC is currently satisfied with its model. That should come as no surprise in the year 2025.

“It is absolutely fully 100% correct that in the SEC we play eight conference games while some others play nine conference games,” Sankey said at SEC Media Days. “It’s also correct that last season, all 16 members of the Southeastern Conference played at least nine games against what you would label power opponents. We had several that played 10 of their 12 games against power opponents. Some conferences have that. Some don’t. 

“The same will be true. This year we have Washington State. We’re obviously transitioning in the Pac-12 that’s included in that group, and we again have several of our football teams that have 10 of those power games embedded within their schedule. I don’t believe there’s anyone looking to swap their conference schedule and its opponents, the opponents played by Southeastern Conference teams in our conference schedule, be it eight or nine.” 

Sankey made sure to mention that the SEC has quality competition. So why add another game when it works for them at this current juncture?

“I handed out a bunch of stats and created a stir and dust in this show,” Sankey said. “There’s a rigor here that is unique in the SEC. We’re not lacking for quality competition among our 16 football teams, but we’re going to continue to evaluate whether increasing the number of conference football games is appropriate for us. And as I’ve said repeatedly, understanding how the CFP will evaluate strength of schedule, and even strength of record as critically important in our decision making.”

While Sankey left the door open for continued evaluation, it seems like a lot hinges on conversation surrounding the College Football Playoff. Sankey teased that they’re still weighing if 12 teams is the right amount. But, it’s hard to tell if the SEC boss and his constituents would even consider more conference games should the playoff expand to, let’s say, 16 teams.