The opinion of University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart varies quite a bit depending on the UK fan you’re speaking with. Some love him, while some aren’t big fans.

One thing is clear: He’s obviously important to the Southeastern Conference. Pat Dooley is a columnist for Gators Wire and recently ranked his 12 most important members of the SEC. He ranked Barnhart No. 1, ahead of Auburn AD John Cohen and Mississippi State AD Zac Selmon.

Barnhart has been with Kentucky for 20 years. He’s hired John Calipari and Mark Stoops, two coaches who have brought a lot of success to both the men’s basketball and football teams over the last decade. The other sports that make up UK Athletics have also seen lots of success — success even further than basketball and football. His current stance on NIL and (former) stance on beer sales at Kroger Field haven’t exactly been popular amongst Big Blue Nation. But he is clearly valuable and has done a good job putting UK Athletics in a position to succeed.

Is he the most valuable person in the SEC, though? What’s your opinion of Barnhart? Do you think there is someone else you deem more valuable? See Dooley’s full list below.

1. Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky AD
2. Jimmy Sexton, Agent
3. Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner
4. Bobby Petrino, Texas A&M assistant
5. Dawn Staley, South Carolina
6. John Cohen, Auburn AD (former Barnhart pupil)
7. Tommy Rees, Alabama offensive coordinator
8. Kirby Smart, Georgia HC
9. Zac Selmon, Miss. State AD
10. Nick Saban, Alabama HC
11. Jayden Daniels, LSU QB
12. Billy Napier, Florida HC

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Headlines

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