Although the SEC Spring Meetings officially kick off Tuesday, but Commissioner Greg Sankey lit the fireworks early Monday night with some bold talk about the future of the CFP. Lately, there’s been buzz about whether the SEC and B1G hold too much sway in shaping the playoff’s direction. That spotlight only grew brighter last week when the CFP committee unveiled a new straight-seeding format for 2025. In response, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips weighed in with a clear message. “We all have a responsibility to serve our constituents while also being mindful as to what’s best for college football,” said Phillips. Adding, “Today’s decision was done in the best interest of the sport. It may not always benefit the ACC, but it was the right decision, and that’s a responsibility I take very seriously.” So, the landscape is shifting—and CFB’s power players are making their moves.

Interestingly, it didn’t go unnoticed—Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark dropped a statement almost in sync with Phillips. The timing felt too perfect to be coincidence. “Today’s decision might not be the best thing for the Big 12, but it was the best thing for college football,” stated Yormark. Adding, “I hope what’s best for college football continues to be the priority in any discussions moving forward.” It looked like a calculated move—a united front. Clearly, the ACC and Big 12 were in lockstep. And it’s no accident. But behind the scenes, a playoff power struggle is heating up. Picture it like a tag-team showdown—ACC and Big 12 in one corner, SEC and B1G in the other.

On May 27, Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger revealed that Greg Sankey isn’t here for the criticism. The SEC Commissioner clearly bristled at the notion that he’s only looking out for his own league when it comes to CFP decisions. When asked about outside perceptions—and the kind of input he’s getting from SEC ADs—Sankey didn’t hold back. In what sounded like a direct jab at the ACC and Big 12, he fired off: “I don’t need lectures from others about ‘good of the game.’” Then added, “I don’t lecture others about ‘good of the game’ and coordinating press releases about good of the game. OK, you can issue your press statement, but I’m actually looking for ideas to move us forward.”

Translation: Sankey’s not playing defense—he’s pushing the SEC’s agenda full throttle. The message is loud and clear: less talk, more action. Plus, Greg Sankey admitted the ACC and Big 12 tossed some CFP ideas into the ring—but they didn’t stick. Why? Because their proposals leaned toward extra bids or thresholds that favored their own leagues. Nice try, but no dice. However, playoff format changes could impact the SEC’s move to a nine-game schedule—and even spark future scheduling ties with the B1G.

“We’re not committed to any particular format,” said Sankey. Talks have narrowed, with the four power conference commissioners now steering the CFP conversation. A 16-team playoff? It’s gaining steam. But the SEC? Still playing it close to the vest. With the current format entering its final season, CFB’s postseason is officially in flux.

Now, the hot topic is a playoff model where the SEC and B1G snag four automatic bids each, with 2 going to the ACC and Big 12. It’s been dubbed the 4-4-2-2-1-3 format—one auto-bid for the Group of Five and 3 at-large spots, possibly for teams like Notre Dame. But Greg Sankey says not so fast. That setup isn’t locked in behind closed doors—at least not yet. “We’ll see how that conversation manifests itself this week,” he said. The SEC boss wants deeper discussion and better ideas on the table. What is he looking for? A system that values every regular-season game—like the now-scrapped Nebraska-Tennessee series. And one that keeps postseason dreams alive for more teams, longer into the fall.

Greg Sankey dropped a key word into the CFP debate—hope. “How do you bring people into the conversation late in the season?” he asked. Think: play-in games. Interest builders. Hope boosters. It’s an idea floating around CFP talks, but not yet locked in. Meanwhile, the B1G is pushing hard for the 4-4-2-2-1-3 model. Commissioner Tony Petitti is all in. But Sankey’s not sold. At B1G meetings last week, support for that model stayed firm. But the door isn’t shut on other options. Sankey doubled down, stating, “We should be using football information to come to football decisions.” Not politics. Not posturing. Just the best teams playing.

Greg Sankey’s stance on the CFP format

Greg Sankey didn’t hold back on the current CFP system, saying, “it’s clear that not losing” outweighs scheduling tough opponents. His comments come just as the playoff prepares for a major shift in 2025. Reports reveal the CFP will switch to a straight seeding format this season—dropping the conference champion favoritism from 2024. From now on, final rankings will call the shots, making every game count even more. The playoff landscape is about to get a serious shakeup.

The 12-team CFP era kicked off in 2024—and it wasn’t without drama. The format gave first-round byes to the top four conference champs, but not everyone was thrilled. Critics questioned whether the system rewarded true strength or just safe scheduling. Teams started rethinking those tough non-conference matchups. After all, with eight at-large spots up for grabs, an early-season loss could tank your playoff hopes before conference play even began. Suddenly, risk felt bigger than reward.

In the end, the 2024 CFP format sparked even more backlash. Boise State (No. 9) and Arizona State (No. 12) walked into first-round byes—thanks to their conference titles, not their rankings. Fans and analysts alike were stunned. But under the expected straight seeding model, that scenario wouldn’t fly. Rankings will now rule. A conference crown alone won’t cut it. The new setup opens the door for multiple top-tier teams from the same league to earn a bye. It’s a shift toward rewarding strength, not just trophies.

Although the top five conference champs will still punch a ticket to the playoffs—but the guaranteed bye? That’s gone. And more changes could be on deck. Rumors are swirling about a jump to 14 or even 16 playoff teams. One possible setup? Four from the SEC, four from the B1G, 2 each from the ACC and Big 12, one Group of Six team, plus 3 at-large bids. It’s all still up in the air. But one thing’s certain—the CFP is shifting fast. How teams handle non-conference games moving forward? That’s a storyline worth watching.