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SEC Rivalry Games Created with Football Schedule Expansion to Nine Games

SEC teams must schedule an additional high-quality non-conference opponent, enhancing competitive balance and preparation for the College Football Playoff, starting with the 2026 season.

  • On Aug 21, 2025, the Southeastern Conference announced it will adopt a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026, following approval by SEC Presidents and Chancellors and a recommendation from SEC Athletics Directors.
  • To protect rivalries and boost fairness, the league said the shift safeguards traditional matchups and improves competitive balance to prepare teams for the College Football Playoff, responding to criticism of the eight-game schedule and calls from James Franklin for parity.
  • Under the new format, the SEC will use a single-standings, no-division model with three annual opponents and six rotating conference games, and require one high-quality non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 or Notre Dame each season.
  • The decision pressures peer conferences as the SEC's move challenges the Big Ten and Penn State, while College Football Playoff expansion will emphasize tougher schedules using a 'record strength' metric.
  • Long-Term, the plan preserves rivalries by keeping Kentucky's annual matchup with Louisville and rotating games among 16-member SEC teams including Texas and Oklahoma.
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Lex18 NBC broke the news in on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
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