Greg Sankey addresses perception that he’s the most influential person in college football

Greg Sankey is undeniably one of the most prominent voices in college athletics as the commissioner of the SEC. Under his guidance, the league has dominated the national championship picture for college football and experienced significant growth and financial success.

Due to Sankey’s position and the undeniable success of athletics within the SEC, some have labeled the commissioner as the most influential figure in college football. He was directly asked about that perception during a sit-down interview with Joel Klatt.

Sankey refuted the idea that he alone was the most influential figure in the sport. However, he did recognize that his type of work and position creates attention and a platform but his focus is on consistent and effective work.

“No. I think I’m in a role that creates a level of influence or creates a platform. I like to think I’ve been effective on some issues, but if I was to either accept or seek that kind of definition I think would be chasing the wrong thing. I think it’s the product of the work on a day-to-day basis… I have to be effective in my work. I have to be in a place that has permanence and then that provides influence. I think that’s a byproduct rather than the center of who I am or what I do.”

While Sankey downplays the idea, there’s no denying people listen when he speaks. Either way, the SEC remains the top dog in football and a number of other sports as we gear up for the 2023-24 athletic calendar.

Here is Sankey’s full interview with Klatt. The discussion centered around influence begins around the 4-minute mark:

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.