Cooper Flagg's NIL Earnings at Duke Set Historic Benchmark for College Athletes

The offseason in men’s college basketball has evolved into a defining period for national contenders. The combination of transfer portal acquisitions and NBA Draft declarations has turned spring and summer into a high-stakes game of roster management. In the wake of these developments, the 2026 national title race looks considerably different than it did just weeks ago. With key players returning, new stars arriving via transfer, and some programs hit hard by unexpected departures, the Top 25 has undergone a significant shake-up. Here’s how the contenders stack up heading into the fall, based on the latest changes. No. 1: Kansas Reloads with Depth and Experience Kansas enters the 2026 season with momentum and a complete roster. The return of key starters, coupled with two impact transfers, gives the Jayhawks arguably the deepest team in the country. Their rotation boasts size, athleticism, and veteran experience—three traits that typically forecast postseason success. After a Sweet 16 exit last year, Kansas looks primed to return to the Final Four. Top Five Risers 2. Duke Despite losing Cooper Flagg to the NBA, Duke remains a top contender thanks to its outstanding recruiting class and return of several key sophomores. With a backcourt that features a blend of size, shooting, and defensive upside, the Blue Devils will continue to be a force in both ACC play and national competition. 3. Houston Houston’s blueprint remains the same: suffocating defense and offensive discipline. The Cougars return four of their top six players and added a transfer forward with elite rebounding and shot-blocking ability. Head coach Kelvin Sampson’s system remains one of the toughest to prepare for, especially in March. 4. Alabama Alabama made two of the most important portal additions of the offseason, securing a proven scorer and a floor-spacing forward. Their roster is built for high-tempo, high-efficiency basketball. With returning depth and strategic upgrades, they’ve become a legitimate Final Four pick. 5. UConn The Huskies are adjusting to life after a pair of NBA-bound starters, but the culture and infrastructure remain elite. Three experienced transfers bring both size and versatility, and the team’s returning backcourt will be among the most cohesive in the nation. Transfer Portal Shakeups and New Dynamics Several programs have made dramatic moves through the portal: Illinois added two high-major starters, providing shooting and wing defense to a team that underachieved in the tournament. Texas revamped its guard rotation with an elite scorer from the Pac-12 and a floor general from the SEC. North Carolina rebuilt its frontcourt after multiple departures, bringing in proven post players to pair with returning perimeter talent. These additions have not only improved depth but in some cases redefined the identity of these programs entirely. Teams Facing Uncertainty Kentucky With multiple players heading to the NBA and limited activity in the transfer market, Kentucky’s prospects are murky. While a talented freshman class offers upside, the lack of experience and leadership could pose problems in the early stages of the season. Purdue Following the departure of Zach Edey, Purdue faces a total reset in the post. Their perimeter talent is solid, but without a dominant inside presence, it’s unclear if they can replicate last year’s success. Baylor Baylor had been a projected top-10 team, but the loss of two expected returnees to the draft has altered their trajectory. While still dangerous, the Bears now find themselves in the second tier of contenders. Programs to Watch Saint Mary’s Returning nearly their entire core, Saint Mary’s combines continuity with high-level execution. They’ll be a tough out come March and may climb into the top 15 by midseason. Providence With one of the most aggressive portal strategies of the offseason, Providence has the pieces to surprise. Newcomers complement an already promising nucleus. Arkansas A coaching overhaul and new high-profile transfers make Arkansas a team with unknown potential. If chemistry develops, they could rise fast. Looking Ahead to November As summer workouts begin, teams are working to build chemistry, install systems, and define roles. Coaches have transitioned into full-time roster architects, tasked with creating cohesion from constantly shifting pieces. In this new era of college basketball, adaptability and structure are as important as recruiting rankings. The upcoming season promises one of the most competitive landscapes in recent memory. With so many teams undergoing transformations, the road to the Final Four will test not only talent, but leadership, resilience, and the ability to gel under pressure. Stay tuned—college basketball’s new era is just getting started.

The Miami Hurricanes are entering the 2025 college football season with a fresh surge of optimism and heightened national expectations. After narrowly missing out on the ACC Championship Game last season, the program now finds itself in serious contention for a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth for the first time. Fueled by key additions through the transfer portal and an aggressive offseason overhaul, Miami is setting its sights on a transformative campaign. Strong Foundation Sets the Stage Finishing the 2024 season with a 10–3 record, the Hurricanes have laid a solid foundation for success. Despite a critical late-season loss to Syracuse, the team displayed flashes of dominance that have carried over into the preseason narrative. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mario Cristobal, now in his fourth year, Miami is poised to challenge for national relevance once again. The 2025 ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) places the Hurricanes at No. 9 in the nation, with a projected 9.7 wins and a 46.3% chance to make the playoff. Though Miami enters the season as the highest-ranked ACC team, it remains locked in a tightly contested field with traditional powerhouses from the SEC and Big Ten looming large. Revamped Roster Brings New Energy Miami’s chances this season are heavily influenced by roster changes, particularly the arrival of quarterback Carson Beck, a highly-touted transfer from Georgia. Beck, who is returning from elbow surgery, is expected to lead the offense and fill the void left by former quarterback Cam Ward. His ability to return to pre-injury form could determine the ceiling of Miami’s playoff run.  Beyond Beck, the Hurricanes have stocked their roster with experienced playmakers. Transfers such as wide receivers CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU), and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati) are expected to add depth and explosiveness to the passing game. On the defensive side, cornerback Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin) and safety Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) have been brought in to stabilize a unit that struggled with giving up explosive plays last season. Challenging Schedule Ahead The Hurricanes will need to prove themselves early and often. Their season opener is a highly anticipated clash with Notre Dame on August 31, a matchup that already ranks among the top games of the year according to ESPN's analytics. Additional marquee games include a September 20 showdown with Florida and an October 4 road test at Florida State. These matchups offer both opportunity and risk. Wins against ranked opponents could bolster Miami’s resume, while a couple of missteps could derail its postseason hopes. The new 12-team CFP format offers some margin for error, but the depth of competition across power conferences means every performance will count. Balanced Play Key to Success In the expanded 2025 CFP landscape, balance is vital. Miami is projected to have one of the top offenses in the country, ranked fifth in offensive FPI. However, its defense still trails slightly, coming in at eighth. For Miami to make a deep playoff run, consistency on both sides of the ball will be required. The Hurricanes’ ability to adapt to new personnel and build cohesion quickly will be critical. Offensively, they must maximize Beck’s arm talent while integrating their new receivers. Defensively, stopping the run and limiting big plays must become a weekly standard. National Perspective: Playoff Landscape The playoff race is more crowded than ever. Powerhouses like Texas, Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama dominate the top of the projections. Miami must navigate a brutal schedule while competing with these perennial contenders for limited playoff spots. The FPI gives Miami a modest 3.2% chance to win the national championship, which places it eighth overall. Though the odds may seem steep, they are the highest for any ACC team, just ahead of Clemson. With the right blend of talent, health, and in-game execution, Miami has a legitimate shot to break into the playoff field. A Season of Transformation Miami’s 2025 season carries immense promise and equally significant pressure. With a fortified roster, a national spotlight, and the stakes raised by the new playoff structure, the Hurricanes are on the cusp of redefining their trajectory in the college football landscape. Success this season could mark the beginning of a new era in Coral Gables—one that reestablishes Miami as a perennial playoff presence.

The forward’s shocking move intensifies a historic rivalry and fuels debate over loyalty, NIL, and the modern transfer landscape. In one of the most buzzworthy transfers of the 2025 college basketball offseason, Ven-Allen Lubin is making headlines for trading Carolina blue for Wolfpack red. The former University of North Carolina forward has committed to NC State , becoming the rare player to move directly from one storied ACC rival to another. Lubin, a 6-foot-8 forward, made waves earlier this spring when he entered the transfer portal. At the time, he publicly indicated a desire to return to Chapel Hill, citing uncertainty surrounding the NCAA’s evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and a pending settlement. However, his recent decision to join NC State has caught both programs—and fans—off guard. A Journey Through the Transfer Era Lubin’s collegiate path has been anything but conventional. After starting his career at Vanderbilt , he transferred to North Carolina , where he made an immediate impact. During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game , emerging as a pivotal contributor down the stretch. He stepped up in crucial games, including multiple double-doubles that helped the Tar Heels reach the NCAA Tournament. Despite financial arrangements reportedly in place for a return to UNC, Lubin changed course. With the rise of NIL-driven mobility and shifting team dynamics, his transfer to NC State marks his third school in as many years , a sign of the times in modern college basketball. His presence on the Wolfpack roster instantly adds experience, size, and athleticism to new head coach Will Wade’s frontcourt. For NC State, this is not just a strategic acquisition—it’s a statement of intent. A Bold Move Across Tobacco Road Transfers between heated rivals are rare—and rarely well received. Lubin’s move directly from UNC to NC State, without a stop in between, has stirred deep emotions among fans and alumni. It’s the first such direct transfer between the schools in decades, and Tar Heel supporters have been vocal in their disapproval. Lubin’s shift has drawn criticism and even mockery from some quarters of the UNC community. Still, the move highlights a broader reality: the collegiate athletic landscape has changed. Player loyalty, once assumed, now competes with professional ambitions, NIL opportunities, and personal considerations. For Lubin, the opportunity to play a prominent role in Wade’s system and compete for an expanded platform likely played a key role in the decision. At NC State, he is expected to step into a featured frontcourt position, with the program undergoing a major rebuild and aiming for postseason contention. Tar Heels Rebuild Without Lubin North Carolina, for its part, has taken steps to reshape its roster for the 2025–26 season. After relying heavily on a smaller lineup during Lubin’s tenure, the Tar Heels prioritized size and versatility in their offseason recruiting. The goal: rebuild the interior presence and avoid the limitations that plagued the team late in the season. Despite the abrupt departure, UNC remains optimistic about its future. Head coach Hubert Davis has retooled with a blend of transfers and incoming talent to address key weaknesses exposed during the past year. Still, Lubin’s exit leaves a hole—not just in the rotation, but in the fabric of the rivalry. Impact on the Rivalry and Fanbase The UNC–NC State rivalry is among the most intense in college basketball. While their showdowns are always highly anticipated, Lubin’s transfer has added fuel to an already white-hot fire. The two teams won’t meet in Chapel Hill during the regular season—an unfortunate quirk of scheduling that deprives fans of a potentially electric atmosphere. For the first time in over a century, the Tar Heels won’t host the Wolfpack at home, sparing Lubin from facing an onslaught of boos on familiar hardwood. Still, the drama is far from over. Should the teams meet in the ACC Tournament or NCAA postseason, Lubin’s transfer will become a major storyline. Until then, social media, message boards, and sports talk radio are likely to keep the debate alive. A Symbol of College Basketball's Evolution Lubin’s transfer underscores the rapid transformation of college basketball. The introduction of NIL and the loosening of transfer rules have empowered athletes in unprecedented ways. While some view moves like Lubin’s as opportunistic, others argue that players deserve the same flexibility and agency long afforded to coaches and administrators. As college athletics continues to evolve, the boundary between tradition and progress is being tested. Lubin’s decision to join NC State may rankle some, but it’s emblematic of a new era—one where athletes, not institutions, increasingly control the narrative.

A rematch of 2024’s Elite Eight showdown promises a marquee non-conference matchup in the 2025–26 college basketball season. The stage is set for one of the most anticipated early-season matchups in college basketball: UConn and Illinois will face off on November 28 at Madison Square Garden , bringing together two nationally ranked programs for a high-stakes non-conference showdown. This game, scheduled for Black Friday , marks the fifth meeting between the two programs. The last clash came in the 2024 NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight, where UConn surged past Illinois with a commanding 77–52 victory—part of their eventual run to the national championship. Now, Illinois has a golden opportunity to seek redemption on one of basketball’s most iconic stages. A New Chapter in a Short But Intense Rivalry While UConn holds a 3–1 series advantage over Illinois, the Illini enter the 2025–26 season with renewed strength and high expectations. Ranked No. 9 in early projections, Illinois has fortified its roster with Andrej Stojaković , a versatile scorer and the son of NBA great Peja Stojaković, and Zvonimir Ivišić , a towering 7-foot-2 forward joining his twin brother Tomislav on the squad. For UConn, ranked No. 11 in the Bart Torvik early rankings, the core remains solid. Star returners include Alex Karaban , Solomon Ball , and Tarris Reed Jr. , who led the team in rebounding last season. Adding firepower to the lineup is five-star freshman Braylon Mullins , ranked No. 12 nationally, and Silas Demary Jr. , a dynamic guard transferring in from Georgia. The matchup is shaping up to be a battle of depth and experience. Both programs have legitimate Final Four aspirations and have taken different approaches to building their rosters: Illinois leans on high-impact transfers and size, while UConn’s continuity and talented freshmen may give them a long-term edge. Illinois Embraces the National Stage This upcoming clash will mark Illinois’ fourth consecutive appearance at Madison Square Garden , further cementing their status as a nationally relevant program. In the past three seasons, the Illini have logged key games against teams like Duke, Arkansas, and Florida Atlantic at the iconic venue. Although their most recent trip to MSG ended in a tough loss to Duke, Illinois has enjoyed notable wins there under head coach Brad Underwood , including victories against Texas and Maryland. Their 3–2 record at the Garden under his leadership reflects both their resilience and willingness to embrace the spotlight. In addition to the UConn matchup, Illinois is scheduled for other challenging non-conference games. They will face Alabama at the United Center in Chicago, Tennessee in Nashville, and Missouri in the annual Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis. All of these contests are expected to be against top-30 opponents, based on early projections. UConn’s Quest for Continued Dominance Coming off two national championships in three years, UConn is entering a new era under head coach Dan Hurley , aiming for a third title in four seasons. Their 2025–26 non-conference schedule is stacked, including matchups against BYU (featuring top NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa), Arizona , Florida , and Texas . The November 28 game against Illinois will be a centerpiece in a stretch of high-profile games. UConn's depth, scoring consistency, and defensive intensity have made them a perennial threat, and this season is no exception. The program’s return to Madison Square Garden also holds significance. While technically a neutral site, UConn fans have long treated the arena—sometimes dubbed “Storrs South”—as a second home due to the school’s proximity and historical success in the Big East tournament held there. A National Spotlight Game The timing of the matchup, on Black Friday, ensures it will receive prime national television coverage. With the NBA dark for Thanksgiving weekend and the NFL’s Thanksgiving slate complete, college basketball will take center stage, and UConn vs. Illinois will headline the day’s lineup. More than just a regular-season game, this clash is a litmus test for both programs as they gauge their readiness for March. It’s a preview of tournament-level intensity, played out under the bright lights of MSG. Whether it’s a revenge game for Illinois or another statement win for UConn, fans are guaranteed one thing: an elite-level basketball showcase to kick off the holiday season.

Saturday Kickoff Confirmed as Scheduling Debate Highlights Player-Centric Decision In a headline-grabbing development within college football’s high-stakes scheduling arena, the University of Texas has made a definitive choice to keep its 2025 season opener against Ohio State on its originally scheduled day—Saturday, August 30—with a noon Eastern Time kickoff. Despite a push from broadcasters and the Buckeyes to shift the game to a more marketable Sunday night primetime slot, the Longhorns prioritized team logistics, player welfare, and preparation time over TV exposure. A Clash of Priorities: TV Viewership vs. Competitive Readiness Media networks, particularly Fox, saw the potential for massive ratings by moving the game to Sunday evening, a time window devoid of NFL competition. A primetime matchup between two blue-chip programs—both boasting national championship aspirations and deep-rooted fanbases—would undoubtedly draw millions of viewers nationwide. However, Texas evaluated the decision through a different lens. The move would have forced Texas into a compressed schedule, reducing recovery and preparation time for their Week 2 matchup. The Longhorns are set to face San Jose State just six days after the Ohio State game, and a Sunday kickoff would have meant only five days to recuperate and prepare. By sticking with Saturday, Texas leadership placed a higher value on maintaining a consistent rhythm for its athletes throughout the opening stretch of the season. Texas Puts Athletes First Behind the scenes, the Longhorns’ athletic department weighed the advantages of additional national exposure against the logistical and physical toll on its student-athletes. The decision to remain on Saturday wasn’t rooted in hesitance about facing Ohio State in a night game at The Horseshoe; rather, it was rooted in ensuring their team had enough time to recover and reset for the next contest. By declining the move, Texas signaled that its program philosophy is grounded in performance sustainability, not marketing optics. The team’s leadership recognized that short recovery windows can increase injury risk, affect game plan execution, and ultimately hinder long-term success throughout the season. Frustration Grows in Columbus For Ohio State and its fans, the noon start comes as yet another chapter in what has become an ongoing frustration. In the previous season, the Buckeyes endured a stretch of six consecutive noon games to close out the regular season, many of them on Fox's “Big Noon Saturday.” Though these early slots are successful for networks from a ratings standpoint, they often come at the expense of atmosphere and fan engagement—especially for those in different time zones. Buckeye supporters had hoped for a spotlight primetime event that would match the game’s national significance. Instead, they’ll again prepare for a mid-day kickoff, which while still nationally televised, lacks the dramatic flair of a night game. Scheduling Dynamics in the New Big Ten This scenario highlights ongoing tensions within the college football ecosystem, especially in conferences like the Big Ten that now have intricate media agreements with multiple broadcasting partners. Under the current arrangement, networks such as Fox, NBC, and CBS rotate top weekly game selections, and Fox’s frequent first picks often land marquee programs in the noon window. These early game slots, though ratings-friendly, are increasingly viewed by fans and coaches as competitive disadvantages in terms of game-day energy and exposure. Texas’s decision underscores that schools still retain some leverage when it comes to finalizing kickoff times—especially when contractual clauses allow them to protect against scheduling changes. A Look at the Long-Term Impact Although Ohio State may be disappointed, the matchup itself remains one of the biggest in the 2025 college football calendar. Two elite teams with strong playoff ambitions will meet in a game that could have postseason implications before the calendar even turns to September. Beyond this game, the debate surrounding kickoff times is likely to escalate. As conferences grow and schedules become increasingly congested, more programs may begin to assert themselves in similar fashion. The balance between maximizing media value and protecting athletes will remain a central issue in the years to come. The Bigger Picture: More Than a Time Slot While the argument over a game’s kickoff time may appear minor on the surface, it speaks volumes about how programs define their priorities. For Texas, the choice to stay on Saturday at noon reflects a deliberate focus on season-long performance and strategic consistency. Rather than chase a fleeting TV ratings boost, the Longhorns chose to control what they could and ensure their team enters the season with clarity, stability, and a full week’s preparation. As realignment and media partnerships continue to reshape college football, decisions like this could become the new battleground between brand exposure and athlete-centered programming.

Power Programs and New Challengers Headline the Race for Elite Talent The 2026 college football recruiting class is already shaping the future of the sport as powerhouse programs and emerging contenders engage in high-stakes battles for blue-chip prospects. In a landscape shaped by NIL deals, transfer portal flexibility, and fierce brand competition, this year’s class showcases a remarkable combination of talent, strategic planning, and aggressive recruiting. From perennial contenders like Georgia and Alabama to surprise risers like South Carolina and Texas A&M, the top 25 teams are building rosters that could dominate for years to come. Top Five: SEC Supremacy and a Lone Big Ten Invader Georgia Reloads with Nation's Top Class The Bulldogs are in familiar territory atop the rankings, combining elite defensive line commits with a dynamic quarterback at the helm. Georgia’s class features top-10 national recruits and is bolstered by in-state dominance and strong national pull. Alabama Still Rolling Under New Leadership Despite offseason transitions, Alabama continues to recruit at an elite level. Their 2026 haul includes a deep group of offensive linemen and several five-star defenders, showing that the Tide's brand remains one of the strongest in the country. LSU Makes Noise with Southern Stars Brian Kelly’s Tigers sit comfortably at No. 3, led by a wide receiver-heavy class and some early enrollees who could make immediate impacts. LSU’s reach into Texas and Georgia showcases their national presence. Ohio State Holds Big Ten’s Flag The Buckeyes boast one of the best offensive skill position groups in the country, with top-rated receivers and a quarterback ranked in the top five nationally. Ryan Day’s program is maintaining its edge even in a competitive Big Ten environment. Oregon Surges with West Coast Firepower Oregon rounds out the top five with an impressive combination of size and speed across both lines. The Ducks also continue to build their pipeline into Southern California and Texas, challenging the national hierarchy. Ranks 6–15: Traditional Contenders and Strategic Climbers Texas Reloads with In-State Control The Longhorns dominate the Lone Star State in the 2026 cycle and combine that with a strong national showing. Wide receiver and defensive back groups are among the best in the nation. Florida State Rises with Aggression The Seminoles are climbing thanks to high-profile commits from Georgia and Alabama. Their 2026 class signals a return to national prominence. South Carolina Shocks the SEC The Gamecocks make a splash, ranked inside the top 10 with elite pass rushers and wide receivers. Their staff’s work in Florida and the Carolinas pays off. Notre Dame Keeps Pace with Versatile Class The Fighting Irish bring in a balanced, academically sound group. Linebackers and tight ends stand out in Marcus Freeman’s second full recruiting cycle. Miami Banks on Speed The Hurricanes land several track-star prospects, showing a commitment to tempo and vertical play. Their defensive class also includes top-15 national names. Final Ten: Building Depth and Betting on Upside Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma Anchor the Teens Each of these programs bring in impressive depth—particularly at running back and linebacker—and show that the middle of the top 25 is still full of heavy hitters. USC and Penn State: Focus on Development Both schools secure strong foundational players, banking on development and high-upside athletes. USC's class continues to lean heavily on offensive speed. Clemson and Michigan: Quality Over Quantity Fewer total commits, but high average player rating. Michigan particularly thrives on offensive line talent, while Clemson continues its defensive back legacy. Ole Miss, Auburn, and Nebraska Round Out the Rankings These three programs are trending up, with Ole Miss grabbing top offensive playmakers, Auburn leaning on legacy commits, and Nebraska pushing back into national recruiting relevance under Matt Rhule. Emerging Trends in the 2026 Class NIL, Branding, and National Reach More than ever, name-image-likeness collectives and institutional branding play a huge role. Schools with clear pathways to endorsements and playing time are winning out—even over traditional powerhouses. Geographic Fluidity Players from Georgia, Texas, and Florida continue to dominate the top 100, but schools across the country are expanding their recruiting footprints. Oregon’s reach into Florida and LSU’s success in California highlight this shift. Quarterback Movement The 2026 class is unusually rich at quarterback, with several top programs securing early commitments from dual-threat standouts and pro-style gunslingers. Expect this group to set the tone for offensive trends into the late 2020s. What to Watch Next The upcoming summer camp circuit and official visits will likely trigger more movement in the rankings. As programs solidify their classes heading into the fall, the fight for No. 1 is far from over. Meanwhile, several top uncommitted players remain on the board, meaning schools outside the current top 25 still have a chance to make a splash before Early Signing Day.

A Shifting Landscape in College Football Governance As the College Football Playoff (CFP) gears up for its 16-team format, the once-unified front among Power Four conference leaders is fracturing. The Southeastern Conference (SEC), long a pillar of college football dominance, is now positioning itself more forcefully in debates over playoff structure, access, and revenue. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, often a diplomatic spokesperson for the sport, has taken a sharper tone in response to what he perceives as strategic posturing from the ACC and Big 12. While ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips and Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark have issued statements underscoring their support for “the good of the game,” Sankey sees a contradiction. To him, the coordinated messaging from these leagues reveals more about their desire to influence the playoff’s political narrative than a genuine willingness to share in difficult compromises. These divisions became evident following the adoption of a straight-seeding model in the CFP. Previously, the four highest-ranked conference champions received first-round byes; now, the top four overall seeds—regardless of conference—earn that advantage. This shift, though subtle, represents a fundamental redistribution of prestige and power that seems to benefit larger, deeper conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. The Stakes Behind the Rhetoric The playoff expansion isn’t just about crowning a national champion—it’s about controlling the financial, political, and cultural center of college football. The proposal that has gained momentum awards four automatic playoff bids each to the SEC and Big Ten, two each to the ACC and Big 12, one to the top-ranked Group of Six team, and three at-large berths. Such an allocation reflects current power dynamics but also reinforces the emerging two-tiered nature of FBS football. Sankey, standing firmly behind his conference’s interests, has made it clear that the SEC will not allow itself to be marginalized through what he views as performative calls for fairness. He points to a lack of actionable alternatives coming from other commissioners, suggesting that behind the press statements is a deficit of viable proposals. Moreover, his frustration isn’t just institutional—it’s strategic. SEC athletic directors are reportedly unhappy with what they see as disproportionate concessions in previous playoff agreements. For example, when higher-ranked SEC teams like Texas or Tennessee are forced to play road games while less accomplished programs secure home field or byes, the perceived imbalance becomes a sticking point. Historical Fractures and Future Flashpoints Tensions today are fueled in part by lingering animosities from past dealings. The failed “Alliance” among the ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-12, initially formed to counterbalance SEC expansion, delayed meaningful playoff reform and deepened distrust. The SEC, which pushed for early CFP growth, found itself in a holding pattern due to what it considered political maneuvering by those very conferences now calling for compromise. At the same time, realignment pressures and conference raids have added fuel to the fire. The ACC and Big 12, in efforts to remain nationally relevant, absorbed programs from the Pac-12 and other leagues. These self-preservation moves, according to Sankey, hardly exemplify acting in the sport’s best interest—making their moral appeals now ring hollow in SEC circles. Sankey’s response is as much about protecting long-term influence as it is about immediate policy. Behind his measured outrage lies a growing readiness to act unilaterally if compromises continue to undermine SEC priorities. This includes resurrecting discussions around a conference-exclusive playoff model, an idea floated publicly in 2021 and still lurking in the background. A Battle of Vision and Leverage The broader issue is one of vision. While other commissioners advocate for structure and balance, Sankey and the SEC are leaning into a market-driven model of college football. In that worldview, performance, investment, and audience size should dictate access—not arbitrary balance among unequal conferences. The upcoming approval of the House v. NCAA settlement, which could introduce revenue sharing with student-athletes, makes this debate even more critical. As new financial demands emerge, high-value matchups and elite postseason access become essential revenue streams. Sankey and his allies argue that the SEC’s value to the sport—in viewership, media rights, and athlete development—justifies a larger stake in that future. Conference strength, scheduling rigor, and roster depth all shape the postseason discussion. For Sankey, giving equal access to conferences with fewer resources, smaller audiences, and thinner résumés compromises the legitimacy and sustainability of the CFP model. The Road Ahead for the College Football Playoff The debates unfolding today are shaping more than just tournament logistics—they are redrawing the power map of college football. With playoff expansion all but guaranteed and conference realignment continuing, the dynamics between the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 will define the next decade of the sport. While Sankey insists he remains open to creative ideas and collaboration, the burden, in his view, lies with other conferences to present credible plans. Until then, the SEC will continue advocating for a model that reflects its status and secures its future—no matter how many press releases are issued in opposition. One thing is certain: the next iteration of the CFP will not simply be an expansion of games—it will be an expansion of influence. And right now, Greg Sankey and the SEC are playing to win.