Smart hints SEC could leave NCAA if no CFP deal
SkimNews Take
The implied threat of an SEC breakaway from the NCAA signals an increasing willingness of powerful conferences to leverage their economic strength to dictate the future structure of college athletics, rather than operate within existing governance.
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- Kirby Smart said the SEC should consider breaking away from the NCAA if a consensus on conference expansion and NIL spending can't be reached, emphasizing the conference's strength to operate independently.
- Jere Morehead indicated he would support a vote to create an SEC‑specific mechanism and rules if federal legislation doesn't curb what he calls "anarchy" in college sports, and he sees massive ratings potential for an SEC‑run championship.
- SEC is currently opposed to expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, while the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame support the expansion.
- SEC frustrations stem from ongoing NCAA investigations, litigation, and concerns over NIL spending, according to Smart's remarks at the spring meetings.
Why it matters: The SEC stands to gain control over its championship revenue and avoid costly NIL spending disputes, while the NCAA risks losing its premier conference and associated TV ratings, reshaping college football's power balance.
