The Southeastern Conference will implement a nine-game 2026 schedule.
The SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule in 2026 🏈🗓️@SEC commish @GregSankey discusses with @finebaum: pic.twitter.com/P1t4pkL89V
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 21, 2025
With this format, the SEC’s single-standings, nondivisional structure will remain. Each program will participate in three annual matchups with consistent opponents. The six remaining games will switch between the remaining schools. Each team will play every other school at least once very two years and every opponent home an away every four. SEC teams are also expected to schedule at least one additional nonconference opponent from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame each season.
This marks a change from the conference’s eight-game schedule it conducted since 1992.
“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power Five opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.”
