Stephen A. Smith criticizes SEC's recent performance amid split rumors
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 10:20 PM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
On ESPN’s 'First Take', Stephen A. Smith addressed SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s comments regarding the conference's desire to separate from others. Smith quoted Nick Saban, emphasizing that the SEC has not lived up to its expectations in recent College Football Playoffs, as no SEC team has won a championship in the last three years. He argued that the SEC needs to improve its overall performance before claiming superiority over other conferences. Smith noted that three different schools from the Big Ten have claimed titles in recent seasons, highlighting a downturn in SEC dominance. The discussion comes at a time when the potential for an SEC split from the NCAA has gained attention.
- •Smith used Saban’s words to critique SEC's current status.
- •No SEC team has won a national championship since 2022.
- •Smith insists SEC has not earned the right to claim superiority.
- •Three different Big Ten schools won championships over the last three years.
- •Sankey's comments about elite status come amid SEC's struggles.
- 10:20 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Haven’t Earned the Right’ — Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Greg Sankey by Quoting Nick Saban Amid SEC-NCAA Split Rumors
"SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has gone on in the past about how his conference should be able to separate from the pack. Obviously, that hasn’t happened, and the SEC hasn’t exactly enjoyed a dominant run in the recent College Football Playoffs either.
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