For years, the SEC has been synonymous with one major sport: college football. While it’s true that the conference has had its fair share of powerhouse teams in other sports, SEC football has always been the crown jewel. Down south, it’s not just a game—it’s practically a religion, birthing some of the most dominant teams ever seen in the sport.
However, you don’t need a degree in science to recognize the shift happening in the SEC. The league is rapidly establishing itself as a formidable force throughout the entire college sports landscape. Just glance at the upcoming men’s NCAA basketball tournament: 14 teams from the SEC are set to compete.
This rise in prominence across multiple sports is exactly what commissioner Greg Sankey is striving for, and he’s far from being content. “We want to be an everything league,” Sankey expressed on The Pat McAfee Show, as reported by On3. “Right now, we’re leading in gymnastics and are top contenders in baseball and softball. I haven’t checked the latest golf and tennis standings, but we must be near the top. Not long ago, there were 14 sports in play, and we were ranked first in 12 of them. That’s our aim. As we navigate changes and expand opportunities, we aspire to excel in every sport, and I’m confident we can achieve that.”
This statement carries significant weight, especially in this era marked by NIL deals, the transfer portal, and conference expansions. If anyone thinks the SEC is just going to rest on its laurels, they’re in for a surprise.
