The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has approved a move to a nine-game conference schedule starting in the 2026 football season. This decision, which was recommended by the league's athletic directors and approved by the presidents and chancellors, ends a long-standing debate and aligns the SEC with the Big Ten and Big 12.

Key Elements of the New Format

No Divisions: The SEC will continue with a single-standings, non-divisional structure. The top two teams in the standings will play in the SEC Championship Game.

Three Permanent Opponents: Each school will play three annual opponents to preserve traditional rivalries. The remaining six games on each team's schedule will rotate among the other conference schools.

Increased Rotational Play: This new format ensures that every SEC team will face every other conference program at least once every two years, and every opponent home and away within a four-year period.

Non-Conference Requirement: In addition to the nine conference games, each SEC team will be required to schedule at least one high-quality non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, or Big 12 conferences, or Notre Dame.

Reasons for the Change

The shift to a nine-game schedule is a response to several factors, including:

College Football Playoff (CFP) Emphasis on Strength of Schedule: The CFP selection committee has recently stated it will place a greater emphasis on strength of schedule when determining which teams make the 12-team field. The new format ensures that SEC teams have a more rigorous schedule, which could give them an edge in playoff selection.

Competitive Balance: A nine-game schedule ensures more competitive matchups throughout the season. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated that this format "delivers the most competitive football schedule in the nation."

Protecting Rivalries: By designating three permanent opponents, the league is aiming to protect historic rivalries that might have been lost in a fully rotating schedule.

Increased Revenue: The new format will lead to more high-profile games, which can generate additional revenue for the conference and its member schools.

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