Most other programs have something other than an "SEC" identity to lean on. aggy has incredibly little of importance to differentiate them from other programs than their SEC membership. Sumlin had to initially depend on making clear to recruits that he didn't believe in enforcing conduct standards. That helped. Being a large SEC safety school for athletes has been big for them lately.
In reality, what does aggy have now to set themselves apart from OU, LSU or UT? An opportunity to experience a white supremacist indoctrination camp first hand?
Wanting to harpoon aggy's recruiting wasn't a motivating factor for bringing UT and OU in, but it certainly is an externality of the deal. Quite clearly, Sankey was willing to negatively affect the trajectory of one program (aggy) to serve the interests of the bigger conference. In the long run, it is in aggy's best interest to go along, but no aggy is aware enough to see part their own nose. Which is why aggy has been historically inept at both managing their university and their athletics department.