SEC Moves to Nine-Game Football Schedule Beginning in 2026
The Southeastern Conference has officially announced a major change to its football scheduling format, shifting to a nine-game conference slate starting in the 2026 season.
Under the new plan, each team will play nine SEC opponents every year, along with one annual matchup against a non-conference “power opponent.” The model will include three permanent rivals on each team’s schedule, while the other six conference opponents will rotate annually.
For decades, the SEC has operated under an eight-game conference schedule, often drawing criticism from fans and analysts who argued it was lighter than other leagues. The push for an expanded format has grown in recent years as playoff expansion, increased television contracts, and fan demand for stronger matchups reshaped the college football landscape.
Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized that the decision was made to strengthen competition across the board. “This move allows us to deliver more marquee games, enhance the fan experience, and ensure the SEC continues to set the standard for college football,” Sankey said.
The change is expected to have ripple effects across the sport, creating new rivalries, maintaining historic ones, and potentially increasing the number of ranked matchups each season. With the College Football Playoff expanding, a stronger schedule could also boost the league’s chances of securing multiple postseason bids.
The 2026 season will mark the beginning of this new era, ushering in a more demanding and balanced path to the SEC Championship.
