Sankey Regrets Timing Of 5+11 CFP Model Discussion With SEC Coaches

David

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Post on May 29, 2025

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Sankey Regrets Timing of 5+11 CFP Model Discussion with SEC Coaches

College football's expansion to a 12-team playoff is a hot topic, but the timing of a key discussion about the model has sparked controversy. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has expressed regret over the timing of his conversations with SEC coaches regarding the proposed 5+11 College Football Playoff model. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious debate surrounding the future of college football's postseason.

The proposed 5+11 model, which would include the six highest-ranked conference champions and six at-large bids, has faced significant pushback since its initial proposal. While designed to broaden participation and increase the excitement of the playoffs, the model has been criticized for potentially undermining the integrity of the regular season and favoring certain conferences.

Sankey's Admission of Timing Error

Sankey's recent admission centers on the timing of his discussions with SEC coaches before the official release of the CFP's proposed model. This preemptive communication, according to Sankey, created the impression of a predetermined outcome and fueled accusations of SEC bias. He acknowledged that this pre-emptive briefing might have been perceived as lacking transparency and inadvertently fostered mistrust among other conferences. "In retrospect, I wish I had handled the communication differently," Sankey stated, implicitly acknowledging the damage caused by the perceived lack of openness.

The Ongoing Debate Surrounding the 12-Team Playoff

The controversy surrounding the 5+11 model extends beyond the timing of Sankey's discussions. Concerns remain about:

• Conference Dominance: Critics argue that the model could disproportionately benefit power conferences like the SEC, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller conferences.
• Regular Season Significance: The increased number of at-large bids raises concerns about the importance of the regular season, suggesting that a strong finish might not guarantee a playoff berth.
• Selection Committee Power: The selection committee's role in choosing the at-large teams has been scrutinized, with worries about potential bias and subjective decision-making.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the CFP

The future of the College Football Playoff remains uncertain. While the 12-team expansion is largely considered inevitable, the specifics of the model are still under intense debate. Sankey's admission highlights the importance of transparency and open communication in shaping the future of college football. The CFP management committee is expected to continue its discussions and hopefully reach a consensus that addresses the concerns raised by coaches, administrators, and fans alike. The need for a fair and equitable system that maintains the integrity of the regular season is paramount.

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Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the proposed 12-team CFP model? Share your opinions in the comments below!