What's Happening?
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has announced that it will implement a nine-game conference football schedule starting in 2026. This new schedule will include three permanent rivals for each team, alongside six opponents that will rotate annually. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey revealed on The Paul Finebaum Show that the full 2026 football schedule is expected to be released in mid-December 2025. Prior to this, the SEC plans to announce the permanent opponents in a primetime reveal on the SEC Network, likely in September. The decision to include three permanent rivals is based on historical rivalries and geographical considerations, ensuring that fans will see their team play every conference member every two years, and at home every four years.
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Why It's Important?
The introduction of a nine-game conference schedule with permanent rivals is significant for the SEC as it aims to preserve historic rivalries while enhancing competitive balance. This change could impact team strategies, fan engagement, and the overall dynamics of college football within the conference. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas will have to navigate these new rivalries, which could influence recruiting, game preparation, and season outcomes. The decision also reflects the SEC's commitment to maintaining traditional matchups that are important to fans and the college football landscape.
What's Next?
The SEC will continue to work on finalizing the schedule details, with the announcement of permanent rivals expected in September. This will be followed by the full schedule release in December. Teams and fans will be closely watching these announcements to understand how the new schedule will affect their seasons. The SEC's approach to scheduling could also influence other conferences to consider similar changes, potentially leading to broader shifts in college football scheduling practices.
