Iowa State AD sends shots to SEC, Big Ten: ‘Let them break away’
One of the more successful athletic directors in all of college sports is tired of the SEC and Big Ten playing by their own rules.
Olivia Bennett 
As the 2025-26 college sports calendar nears its conclusion, administrative discussions have turned toward the intense power dynamics shaping the landscape. Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard is the latest leader to publicly challenge the dominant influence of the SEC and Big Ten.
Calling Out the Power Conferences
Speaking at Monday’s Cyclone Tailgate Tour, Pollard voiced significant frustration regarding the SEC and Big Ten's approach to the current collegiate power struggle. According to the Iowa State AD, these two conferences are the only leagues currently operating outside the guidelines established by the College Sports Commission (CSC).
Pollard’s 'Break Away' Ultimatum
Pollard did not mince words when discussing the trajectory of these leagues, suggesting that a complete separation might be the best path forward for the rest of college athletics.
“Let them break away. We should break away from them. Let them go,” Pollard stated. “But they have to go in all their sports & see how fun it is to play baseball, softball & track when it’s just the 20 of you. That’s what I think we should do... But if you’re going to do it, you don’t get to just do it in football & then keep all your other sports with us. No, take them all. See how fun it is.”
The Financial Divide
The tension comes as the SEC and Big Ten continue to widen the gap in resources. Data from CNBC highlights that these two conferences command all but two of the top 20 spots in athletic brand valuations—with Notre Dame and Clemson holding the remaining positions—while also leading the way in NIL spending.
It is clear that for leaders like Pollard, the era of accommodating these power-brokering leagues is rapidly coming to an end at 205focus.com.
