Multiple SEC Schools Want To Break Away From The NCAA

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

There's growing talk that, eventually, some of the top conferences in college basketball and college football will ultimately break away from the NCAA and create their own thing.

The College Football Playoff is already a separate entity. While the NCAA continues to control March Madness, perhaps that could change one day, too.

It would not surprise anyone if the Big Ten and the SEC, one day, decided to leave the NCAA and leverage their power for something bigger. But could it actually happen?

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey admitted during an interview with Paul Finebaum that multiple schools within his conference have pushed for a breakaway.

“I’ve acknowledged there are those who have said we should go our own way,” Sankey said. “I don’t think that’s the right decision. We have relationships and responsibilities within Division I.”

The SEC is one of the few conferences that could probably break away and be successful. However, the SEC doesn't plan on doing that anytime soon.

“I’d be fine if every other institution and every other conference stayed right where they are,” Sankey added.

Ultimately, Sankey hopes everyone can work together.

“If there’s a point at which we cannot do so, that conversation may grow, Sankey said. "But right now, our focus is working together.”

This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos