Trending Now - Sec's Potential Exit From NCAA Raises Concerns in College Sports

WHO:

The New York Times - Auburn athletic director John Cohen, Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte, Georgia president Jere Morehead, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.

NBC Sports - Georgia president Jere Morehead, Georgia coach Kirby Smart.

WHAT:

The New York Times - The SEC is considering breaking away from the NCAA to form its own rules and playoff system.

The New York Times - Stricklin described a potential breakaway as a “draconian step.”

NBC Sports - Kirby Smart suggested that if rules cannot be agreed upon, the SEC should play by its own rules.

NBC Sports - Morehead referred to the current situation in college football as “anarchy.”

WHERE:

The New York Times - SEC meetings taking place in Miramar Beach, Florida.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The College Football Playoff contract runs through the 2031-32 season.

NBC Sports - Smart mentioned he has attended SEC meetings for 10 or 11 times.

WHY:

The New York Times - SEC leaders are frustrated with national rules regarding eligibility, tampering, and enforcement.

The New York Times - Cohen stated that “some drastic measures are going to have to take place for us to get the train back on the tracks.”

NBC Sports - Smart expressed frustration over litigation preventing the SEC from making decisions.

HOW:

The New York Times - SEC leaders are discussing the possibility of creating their own rules and potentially breaking away from the NCAA.

The New York Times - The SEC has previously operated under its own rules regarding graduate transfers and signing limits.

(UPDATED May 28, 2026 19:56 UTC)

SEC leaders, including Auburn athletic director John Cohen and Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, are currently meeting in Miramar Beach, Florida, to discuss the possibility of breaking away from the NCAA to establish their own rules and playoff system. Cohen described the need for drastic measures to address frustrations with national eligibility and enforcement rules, while Smart emphasized that if consensus cannot be reached, the SEC should operate independently. Georgia president Jere Morehead referred to the current state of college football as “anarchy,” highlighting the urgency of the discussions taking place.