Meeting Outcomes
A second meeting between Big Ten and SEC leaders didn’t result in major news, but it signaled potentially significant changes on the horizon. Following their previous gathering in Nashville, athletic directors and conference leadership met in New Orleans to discuss changes to the College Football Playoff and the SEC’s potential expansion of its conference schedule.
While this discussion didn’t lead to immediate changes, it was clear that both conferences are advocating for greater control over the playoffs. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey voiced their support for altering the current seeding process of the College Football Playoff (CFP). They both agreed that the CFP Rankings, rather than conference championships, ought to determine automatic first-round byes.
Sankey remarked, “I think there’s a lot of interest… the criteria is an important element in understanding the selection committee’s perspective.”
Currently, discussions revolve around pushing for multiple automatic qualifiers and potentially an expanded playoff format, indicating a shift in how postseason access could be determined going forward. / Translation: “I think there’s a lot of interest, and understanding the selection committee’s perspective is critical.”
Additionally, it seems discussions about a nine-game SEC schedule are gaining traction, especially considering the potential revenue benefits amid the playoff changes.
