SEC to go with 9-game conference schedule starting in 2026 - ESPN

The SEC will play a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026, the league said Thursday, a historic move it's been considering for years.

The decision was approved by the SEC's presidents and chancellors after a recommendation by the athletic directors in the conference.

«Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities' commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,» SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a news release. «This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.»

Under the new format, the SEC will continue to play without divisions. Each school will play three annual opponents focused on maintaining traditional rivalries, and the remaining six games will rotate among the rest of the league opponents.

Each team will face every other SEC program at least once every two years and every opponent home and away in four years.

SEC teams are required to schedule at least one additional high-quality nonconference opponent from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame each season.

The SEC will continue to evaluate its policies to ensure the continued scheduling of high-quality nonconference opponents.

«The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics,» Sankey said. «Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.»

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