东南联盟（SEC）专员格雷格·桑基证实，SEC校长们正在进行关于脱离NCAA的"真实"对话[1]。桑基表示，尽管SEC领导层对NCAA的管理感到沮丧，但这并非他们的优先选择[1]。
SEC与Big Ten联盟联合向国会提交了《保护大学体育法案》的十点修改意见[1]。SEC认为该法案在两个方面存在不足：限制针对联盟和学校的诉讼力度不够，以及对NIL（姓名、形象和肖像权）支付的规范不够充分[1]。
在橄榄球季后赛扩编问题上，SEC仍是唯一未支持将季后赛从12队扩大至24队的"四大"联盟[1]。桑基表示需要进行更多研究以评估媒体兴趣[1]。
SEC内部的挫败感还源于新实施的五年五赛季资格规则，这一规则已引发诉讼[1]。
The Southeastern Conference is engaged in genuine discussions about separating from the NCAA, according to conference commissioner Greg Sankey, though he emphasized such a move remains a last resort rather than the desired outcome [1]. The SEC's frustration stems from NCAA leadership and recent rule changes that have left conference officials seeking significant reforms to college sports governance [1].
Working in tandem with the Big Ten, the SEC has proposed ten modifications to the Protect College Sports Act currently under negotiation with Congress [1]. The conference's proposed changes focus on two key areas: stricter limits on litigation filed against leagues and schools, and enhanced transparency requirements for name, image and likeness (NIL) payments [1]. Current language in the legislation, according to the SEC's assessment, fails to adequately address these concerns [1].
The conference continues to resist the expansion of the college football playoff from twelve to twenty-four teams, a position that distinguishes it among the "Power Four" conferences [1]. Sankey indicated that the SEC requires further research into media interest before committing to the larger format [1].
Adding to internal tensions, a newly implemented rule requiring athletes to complete five seasons of eligibility within a five-year window has prompted legal challenges [1].