SEC to go with 9-game schedule starting in ’26

The SEC said Thursday it will go with a nine-game conference football schedule starting in 2026.

The move was recommended by the conference’s athletic directors and approved by the schools’ presidents and chancellors.

“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.”