Why SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Should Seriously Consider Kicking the Tennessee Volunteers Out of the Southeastern Conference

The Southeastern Conference is widely regarded as the premier collegiate athletic conference in the country, boasting an unmatched reputation for football dominance, passionate fanbases, and a long-standing tradition of excellence. At the helm of this mighty machine stands Commissioner Greg Sankey, a figure who has shown time and again his ability to navigate controversies, media storms, and national changes in college sports. But in a landscape constantly evolving with expectations of integrity, competitiveness, and unity, one question is beginning to echo louder and louder across SEC circles: Should Tennessee still be part of this conference?

For decades, the Tennessee Volunteers were considered a pillar of SEC pride. Names like Peyton Manning, Pat Summitt, and Reggie White evoke deep-rooted respect and reverence. Neyland Stadium is an iconic landmark, and Knoxville sits comfortably within the SEC’s regional map. But the reality is, tradition can’t shield a program forever—not when its behavior, inconsistencies, and controversies continue to stain the league’s image. It’s a bold statement, but one worthy of serious contemplation: it may be time for Greg Sankey to send a message loud and clear by showing Tennessee the door.

First and foremost, the behavior of Tennessee’s athletics—both on and off the field—has drawn widespread criticism and created a perception that the program is either unwilling or unable to operate under the standards expected of an SEC institution. Whether it’s been NCAA infractions, poor sportsmanship, or internal dysfunction, Tennessee has often made more headlines for chaos than for championships. The recent football debacle involving fan conduct and public perception is one of many examples of how a once-proud program is devolving into a liability.

Take, for example, the ugly scene at Neyland Stadium during a recent high-profile matchup. In a game marred by questionable officiating, Tennessee fans hurled debris onto the field, delaying play and creating a dangerous environment for players, coaches, and officials alike. This wasn’t passion—it was petulance. And instead of strong condemnation from university leadership, there was an uncomfortable hesitation, as if this type of behavior should be tolerated in the name of fandom. For Sankey, who has emphasized integrity and sportsmanship across all SEC platforms, this type of conduct can’t be swept under the rug. It needs a response.

Then there’s the issue of Tennessee’s persistent rule-breaking and controversies involving recruitment, compliance, and administrative oversight. Former head coach Jeremy Pruitt’s tenure ended in disgrace, with widespread NCAA violations centered on recruiting, improper benefits, and a toxic culture that sent the program into disarray. The university self-imposed penalties in a transparent attempt to control the narrative, but the reality was that Tennessee had embarrassed itself—and by extension, the SEC. Repeated violations suggest a lack of institutional control, and more importantly, a disregard for the values the conference purports to uphold.

Greg Sankey has shown in recent years that he isn’t afraid to act decisively. Whether it’s pushing back against NCAA mandates, leading the way on playoff expansion, or negotiating major TV deals, Sankey has demonstrated a desire to shape the future of college athletics. If he truly wants to enforce accountability and excellence within the SEC, the Vols might just be the perfect example to make a statement. Kicking out a legacy member would be controversial, yes—but it would also signify that membership in the SEC is not a birthright. It is earned through conduct, competitiveness, and commitment to values.

Moreover, when evaluating Tennessee’s recent on-field performance across major sports, the inconsistency is jarring. In football, the program has lurched from one rebuilding project to the next, rarely competing at a championship level and frequently losing marquee matchups against rivals. Basketball has enjoyed fleeting moments of relevance but remains a second-tier power in a league that has improved dramatically over the past decade. Baseball, arguably the school’s most exciting recent success story, has also drawn scrutiny for antics, arrogance, and an inability to maintain composure under pressure.

All of this paints a picture of a program that talks big but rarely delivers. In an SEC landscape where schools like Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and even upstarts like Missouri and Kentucky have carved out competitive identities, Tennessee is increasingly viewed as more bark than bite. And while every program has its ups and downs, Tennessee’s seeming refusal to self-correct or evolve undercuts any argument for patience or sympathy.

Of course, no conversation about removing a team from the SEC is complete without considering the financial implications. Tennessee is a major brand. Its fanbase is massive, and its television ratings remain strong. But does that justify retaining a program that frequently undermines the league’s reputation? Money talks, but it shouldn’t be the only voice in the room. There comes a point where maintaining the image and unity of the conference must outweigh revenue projections. And if the SEC truly is the gold standard of college sports, then upholding that standard sometimes means making hard decisions.

There’s also the question of what such a removal would mean in the broader landscape of college athletics. It would send a ripple effect through the Power Five conferences, signaling that the SEC isn’t afraid to enforce internal accountability. It would likely provoke a reevaluation of standards across other conferences, pushing institutions to better align with their stated values. And most importantly, it would reaffirm Sankey’s position as a commissioner who doesn’t just chase media deals but prioritizes the long-term health and perception of his league.

Supporters of Tennessee will, of course, scoff at the suggestion. They’ll point to the storied history, the passionate following, the potential for greatness. But potential is not performance. And history is not immunity. How many more scandals, underwhelming seasons, and PR disasters must occur before serious consequences are considered? At some point, being a member of the SEC must require more than tradition—it must require consistency in values, conduct, and competitiveness.

Furthermore, this isn’t just about Tennessee. This is about the message the SEC wants to send to its other members, its recruits, its fans, and the broader public. By keeping a consistently troubled program in the fold without consequences, the league risks sending the wrong message—that as long as your stadium is full and your merchandise sells, everything else is negotiable. That can’t be the legacy Greg Sankey leaves behind.

Ultimately, removing Tennessee from the SEC would be an unprecedented move, one that would no doubt be met with controversy, litigation, and national headlines. But great leadership isn’t defined by avoiding tough calls—it’s defined by the willingness to make them. If Sankey truly wants to future-proof his conference and reinforce its commitment to excellence, it might be time to make a move that, while shocking, is also justified.

Tennessee has had chance after chance to align itself with the values and standards of the Southeastern Conference. Yet time and again, it has chosen shortcuts, stirred controversy, and failed to live up to the responsibilities of membership. Tradition and money may once have protected it, but those shields are growing thinner with each misstep.

Greg Sankey has the authority, the backing, and the vision to redefine what membership in the SEC truly means. Removing Tennessee would be a message to the nation: the SEC will not tolerate mediocrity cloaked in nostalgia, nor will it allow any program to act as if it’s above the rest. And in doing so, Sankey wouldn’t just be protecting the conference—he’d be strengthening it.

It’s time to ask the question, not in whispers, but with clarity and resolve. Does Tennessee truly represent the best of what the SEC stands for today? Or is it simply a relic of past glory, holding onto membership by the threads of history and hype? If it’s the latter, then Greg Sankey knows what must be done. The future of the SEC may just depend on it.