The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has announced the adoption of a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026, marking a significant shift from its long-standing eight-game format. This change is intended to enhance competitive balance and better prepare teams for the College Football Playoff.
The decision was made by the SEC’s leadership, including Commissioner Greg Sankey and the athletic directors of the 14 member universities. After years of deliberation and recent meetings, the conference voted to adopt this new scheduling model.
What this change involves is an increase from eight to nine conference games per team each season. Under the new format, each SEC team will have three annual opponents that they play every year, preserving key rivalries, and six opponents that rotate on a yearly basis. Furthermore, the SEC is mandating that each team schedules at least one additional non-conference game against a team from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame, ensuring high-quality opponents outside the conference.
The announcement was made on August 21, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, where the SEC is headquartered. The implementation is set for the 2026 season, giving teams time to adjust their schedules.
The rationale behind this move is multifaceted: it aims to protect longstanding rivalries, enhance the competitive fairness within the conference, and better equip teams for the playoff by facing more rigorous schedules. This is seen as a response to the increasing competitiveness of college football and the need for stronger resumes in playoff considerations.
How this was achieved: The SEC athletic directors met and discussed the proposal, eventually reaching a consensus to vote in favor. This decision marks a significant shift from the previous format, which had been in place for over three decades since the conference expanded to 12 teams in 1992 with the addition of Arkansas and South Carolina.
The impact of this change is substantial. It brings the SEC in line with other Power Five conferences like the Big Ten and Big 12, which already play nine-game schedules. This could lead to more exciting games, improved television ratings, and a higher likelihood of SEC teams qualifying for and succeeding in the playoff. It also means that fans will see more variety in matchups and intensified competition.
What’s next: The SEC will now begin the process of crafting the detailed schedule for 2026, including determining the specific annual and rotating opponents for each team. Additionally, teams will need to revisit their non-conference scheduling to incorporate the required high-quality opponent, which may involve renegotiating existing contracts or seeking new games. This transition will shape the future of SEC football and influence the broader college football landscape.