Sankey’s Power Play: Reconfiguring the College Football Playoff
Sankey’s Philosophical Musings and the CFP Enigma
Greg Sankey, the SEC commissioner, has embarked on a philosophical quest to reshape the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), a creation he helped bring to life just a season ago. Sankey has two sage musings in mind:
"You slurp what you crumble."
"Self-made problems become the toughest to solve."
The Crucible of Realignment and Its Aftermath
Sankey’s proposed modifications center around eliminating the protection of first-round playoff byes for conference champions. This move would allow the top four teams in the final CFP committee rankings to secure byes, regardless of their conference affiliation.
This change stems from Sankey’s belief that conference alignment has undergone significant shifts since the 12-team playoff format was conceived. Ironically, these shifts were largely a result of Sankey’s own actions in orchestrating the SEC’s acquisition of Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12.
The ensuing realignment cascade prompted the Big Ten to raid the West Coast, while the Big 12 and ACC sought solace in the weakened Pac-12. As a consequence, the conference landscape is now vastly different from the one that existed when the CFP format was devised.
Sankey’s Motive and Obstacles
Sankey’s proposed changes are undoubtedly designed to benefit the SEC, which he believes is being shortchanged in the wake of realignment. However, his efforts face significant obstacles.
Any changes to the CFP format require unanimous approval from all conference commissioners and Notre Dame. Given the financial incentives associated with first-round byes, commissioners from leagues such as the Big 12, Mountain West, and ACC are unlikely to surrender these benefits without a fight.
The Battle Lines Are Drawn
The commissioners are set to meet in Dallas later this month to discuss the future of the CFP. If even one rival commissioner rejects Sankey’s proposal, the format will remain the same for the 2023 season.
In essence, the "Super Two" conferences, the SEC and Big Ten, who have benefited from realignment, are now facing pushback from the "little guy" conferences. These smaller leagues are determined to protect their interests and resist the encroachment of the powerhouses.
The Future of the CFP
While Sankey’s proposal may not come to fruition in the immediate future, it is likely a harbinger of things to come. Starting with the 2026 season, unanimous commissioner approval will no longer be required to change the CFP format. At that point, the SEC and Big Ten will wield even greater authority over the tournament’s structure.
It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the competitive balance of college football. However, it is clear that the landscape is in a state of flux, and the struggle for power between the "Super Two" and the other conferences will continue to shape the future of the sport.
Conclusion
Greg Sankey’s philosophical musings on the College Football Playoff have ignited a debate about the inherent tensions within the system. The push for greater conference equity must be balanced against the desire for the most competitive tournament possible.
As the commissioners gather in Dallas to discuss the fate of the CFP, the lines are drawn for a clash of interests and ambitions. The outcome will determine the future trajectory of college football and the distribution of power within its governing body.
