Greg Sankey's SEC expansion draws big support from Kirby Smart as Georgia square off big sharks post-conference realignment 

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is a big fan of the SEC's expansion. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey added Texas and Oklahoma to make the SEC more competitive. Despite the increased challenge, Smart is a fan of the move as he wants to play against the best teams possible. So, when asked about the expansion, Smart heaped praise on Sankey:

"It's a tremendous schedule, credit to Greg Sankey for adding additions to our league. It's going to make some fabulous TV and awesome games. Our team is looking forward to it, we need to stay healthy, it is going to be a gauntlet.

"It always is in the SEC, especially this year with the additions we have. The road schedule, I'm not sure how we ended up with Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas, and Kentucky all on the road, so it should be a gauntlet." [Time stamp - 2:00]

As Smart says, the Bulldogs do have an intense road schedule, including a game against Clemson in Atlanta. However, the coach is eager for the challenge, as he believes it will help prepare Georgia for success in 2024.

The Bulldogs currently are the favorites to win the national championship at +320, according to DraftKings, which implies a 23.8% chance of capturing the title.

Greg Sankey shuts down future SEC expansion

With FSU and Clemson looking to leave the ACC and explore affiliation options, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has shut down rumors of expansion. Sankey says he's focused on the 16 teams in the conference for the time being and has closed the door on further expansion.

“We’re focused on our 16,” Sankey said, via SI. “I’ve said before at media days that I’m not a recruiter. My job is to make sure we meet the standard of excellence that we have for ourselves on a daily basis. That attracts interest.

"It’s done that with the two universities that we’ve added this year. They’re not the only phone calls I’ve ever had, but I’m not involved in recruiting. ... We’re focused on our 16 today, and 16 is our tomorrow."

FSU and Clemson are amid the ongoing lawsuit against the ACC to challenge its grant of rights and exit the conference without paying the estimated $527 million fees.