It was a more eventful rookie year than what Petitti expected as the Big Ten’s new commissioner, what with the controversies involving Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh, the integration of soon-to-be members USC and UCLA, and the subsequent additions of Washington and Oregon. All of which leaves Petitti steering a behemoth of a college conference. — M.S.
Greg Sankey getty images
Greg Sankey
Commissioner, Southeastern Conference
Starting next July, the SEC’s commissioner will direct a 16-school conference with the addition of Oklahoma and Texas, which comes with a newly enhanced ESPN contract. The veteran college leader further solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in college sports this past July when he was rewarded with a new contract through 2028. — M.S.
Brett Yormark getty images
Brett Yormark
Commissioner, Big 12 Conference
In his year-plus on the job, Yormark has established himself as possibly the most creative commissioner among the power conferences. He introduced a new level of music and entertainment to Big 12 championship events, conceived of a Big 12-only combine and added some needed depth to the membership with expansion. Yormark promised to shake things up across the college landscape and delivered. — M.S.
