Goodman: Should Alabama Consider Breaking Away from the SEC?
- Alabama Football (https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/)
- Published: Feb. 07, 2026, 6:08 a.m.
By
- Joseph Goodman | jgoodman@al.com (https://www.al.com/staff/josephgoodman/)
This is an opinion piece.
There’s an increasing feeling that the SEC may not have Alabama's best interests at heart anymore. It all started with the partnership between Texas and Greg Sankey, and now the SEC commissioner seems to be stirring the pot once again. Recently, Sankey filed an affidavit against Alabama, aiming to block the Crimson Tide’s efforts to recruit professional basketball player Charles Bediako.
All Bediako wants is a chance to enhance his education—what’s so objectionable about that?
Perhaps the time has come for some bold actions in the name of academic progress.
Is it time for Alabama to contemplate a separation from the Southeastern Conference? While this notion might initially appear absurd, many passionate Tide supporters are reaching their breaking point. They argue that the SEC's regulations, revenue distribution, and its rather uptight commissioner are stifling Alabama’s potential.
What could possibly be next? Might Sankey draft a public letter to the NCAA Tournament selection committee urging them to exclude the Crimson Tide from competing?
Don’t underestimate him after his recent antics.
Bediako is currently suing the NCAA for his eligibility, with a court hearing scheduled for Friday, just before Alabama's significant matchup against Auburn. In a bid to preserve what he deems the integrity of collegiate sports—or something equally outlandish—Sankey implored the judge to side with the NCAA in this matter.
You can bet that Auburn fans were thrilled with Sankey’s intervention.
It appears that Sankey would relish the opportunity to sway legal rulings. Fortunately, the presiding judge decided to postpone the ruling, extending Bediako’s temporary injunction until Monday. With the big game set against Auburn at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Bediako, who averages five rebounds per game, will be ready to play—much to the chagrin of the NCAA and Sankey.
In hindsight, Sankey should have opted to stay out of this issue. Now, there is a brewing discontent among some Alabama fans, and can you really blame them?
I propose they break free from the SEC and teach Sankey a lesson in the process. All it would take is two years and a $30 million exit fee. According to SEC regulations, the Tide might even be able to leave as soon as tomorrow for a staggering $45 million.
In 2026, SEC football teams are set to play nine conference games. Imagine if Alabama had the autonomy to create its own schedule! They could enjoy a series of easy wins each week.
Notre Dame has established itself as an independent football powerhouse, thriving outside of conference constraints. Is it time for Alabama to start planning its own revolution? Could the Tide break away and negotiate its own television contracts?
Alabama prides itself on being a national brand. Surely, it could sustain itself without the SEC, right? Last fiscal year, Alabama's share from the SEC was approximately $72 million. Is it possible that they could earn more independently?
Absolutely!
Particularly if they struck a television deal with NBC akin to Notre Dame’s arrangement.
Imagine broadcasting games on Amazon Prime—Alabama could easily generate $100 million annually.
Let’s face reality: What has the SEC done for Alabama lately? Yes, the league recently distributed its share of $1.03 billion to Alabama, but at what cost? The Tide has suffered two consecutive regular-season losses to Oklahoma since the Sooners joined the SEC, and Texas is consistently poaching Alabama's top recruits.
The conspiracy between Texas and Sankey marks the beginning of Alabama’s decline in college football dominance. Unable to compete with Alabama in recruiting, Texas devised a strategy: switch from the Big 12 to the SEC and challenge Alabama’s supremacy in the South. And it’s working.
Sankey played a crucial role in this betrayal.
Now, Texas takes whatever it desires, including Alabama's latest transfer target at running back.
Alabama's ability to run the ball has dwindled in this new SEC environment—it's almost embarrassing.
Alabama recently faced a disheartening 38-3 defeat against Big Ten powerhouse Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Could this be a glimpse into the future? If Alabama remains within the SEC, it’s likely to be.
How can Alabama hope to compete against teams backed by billionaire benefactors like Indiana's Mark Cuban? The solution lies in emergency funding from private equity. However, there’s no way Sankey will permit Alabama to enter into any financial agreements with private equity firms while still part of the SEC.
Breaking free could lead to a substantial influx of cash.
And it doesn’t have to involve Saudi investors. Alabama could collaborate with a New York-based company and sell jersey sponsorships to Emirates Airlines. The opportunities would be limitless once Alabama decides it’s had enough.
Sankey should tread carefully; his actions could ignite a Southern civil war, resulting in Alabama going rogue. Perhaps it’s not yet the right moment to sever ties with the SEC, but nobody wants to see an enraged Crimson Tide.
MAILBAG SOUND OFF
Have a question for Joe? Need to express your thoughts? Feel free to email Joe with your concerns. Make your voice heard. Ask anything for the reader mailbag.
Joseph is the main sports columnist for AL.com and the author of the provocatively titled book "We Want Bama." He is an SEC expert and a commentator on game management, with his columns consistently recognized as among the best in the field.
