SEC to adopt nine-game football schedule starting in 2026

Commissioner Greg Sankey says the new model protects rivalries, increases competitive balance and prepares teams for the College Football Playoff.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Southeastern Conference will move to a nine-game football schedule beginning in 2026, the league announced Thursday in a news release.

The SEC said its Presidents and Chancellors approved the decision following a recommendation from Athletics Directors. Commissioner Greg Sankey announced the change, which the conference says will strengthen its standing as the most competitive league in college football.

“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” Sankey said. “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.”

According to the SEC, the new format will continue the current single-standings, non-divisional structure. Each school will play three annual opponents “focused on maintaining many traditional rivalries,” with the remaining conference games being rotated. The league said every team will face all other SEC programs at least once every two years, and every opponent both home and away within four years.

The SEC will also require teams to schedule at least one non-conference opponent from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame.

“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.”

The SEC noted in its release that its teams have played eight conference games each season since 1992, when Arkansas and South Carolina joined the league. The conference previously played seven games from 1988 to 1991 and six games from 1974 to 1987. Before 1974, schools typically scheduled six or seven league games each year without a uniform requirement.