Greg Sankey Discusses 5+11 CFP Model Challenges With SEC Coaches

David

3 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

4.4

Share

Greg Sankey Discusses 5+11 CFP Model Challenges with SEC Coaches

The SEC's dominance in college football is undeniable, but the future of the sport's playoff system is anything but certain. Greg Sankey, the SEC Commissioner, recently met with SEC head coaches to address concerns surrounding the newly adopted 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) model, specifically the 5+11 format. This meeting highlighted several key challenges that could significantly impact the conference's – and the sport's – trajectory.

The 5+11 Model: A Brief Overview

The 12-team CFP model, slated to begin in 2024, features six automatic qualifying (AQ) teams – the champions of the six highest-ranked conferences – and six at-large bids. The "5+11" refers to the five Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) automatically qualifying their champions, along with one champion from the Group of Five conferences receiving an automatic bid. This structure, while designed to increase access to the playoffs, has generated considerable debate and raised several key challenges.

Sankey's Key Concerns and Coach Feedback

During the closed-door meeting, Sankey reportedly outlined several major concerns stemming from the 5+11 structure:

• Conference Strength Disparity: The perceived imbalance in the strength of the Power Five conferences remains a critical concern. The SEC, for example, consistently boasts multiple teams ranked highly in the polls, raising questions about fairness if the conference champion doesn't deserve an automatic bid due to other equally deserving teams within the conference.
• Group of Five Representation: While providing an automatic bid to a Group of Five champion is intended to improve representation, concerns exist regarding the potential for a weaker Group of Five champion to upset a highly-ranked Power Five team with a less-than-stellar record. This could potentially devalue the playoff experience.
• Selection Committee Power: The selection committee's power remains substantial, even with the expanded field. The committee will still have considerable influence in selecting the six at-large bids, potentially leading to subjective decisions and disputes. This raises questions of transparency and potential biases.
• Impact on Regular Season: The expanded playoff could influence the strategies of coaches during the regular season, potentially leading to less compelling regular season games as teams prioritize positioning for the playoffs over head-to-head matchups.

Coach feedback reportedly echoed these concerns, with some suggesting alternative models or emphasizing the need for clear, transparent selection criteria to mitigate the potential for controversy. The discussions were described as productive but also highlighted the complexities involved in navigating the new playoff system.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The 5+11 CFP model presents both challenges and opportunities. While it aims to broaden access and increase excitement, the potential for controversy and inequities remain significant. The success of this model hinges on the selection committee's transparency, fair application of criteria, and the ability to effectively address the inherent imbalances within the college football landscape. The coming years will be crucial in assessing the model's effectiveness and determining whether adjustments are needed to ensure a fair and compelling playoff for all involved. The ongoing dialogue between the SEC commissioner, coaches, and the CFP committee is vital to the future of college football.

Keywords: Greg Sankey, SEC, College Football Playoff (CFP), 5+11 model, 12-team playoff, College Football, SEC Coaches, Power Five, Group of Five, Selection Committee, College Football Playoffs

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the 5+11 CFP model? Share your opinions in the comments below!