The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has confirmed that it will transition to a nine-game conference football schedule starting in 2026. This decision aims to enhance the competitive landscape of college football and elevate fan engagement, reinforcing the SEC’s reputation as a leader in the sport. While the announcement clarified that each team will have three annual opponents, several important questions remain regarding the implications of this shift.
Impact on Other Conferences
One of the primary concerns is how this change will affect the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Ross Dellenger, a college football reporter for Yahoo Sports, noted that the SEC’s move could pressure the ACC, which currently operates under an eight-game conference schedule, to adopt a similar approach. With the ACC comprising 17 teams, implementing a nine-game schedule poses mathematical challenges.
If the SEC proceeds with this adjustment, ACC executives have indicated a willingness to follow suit, potentially aligning all four major power conferences—SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12—around a nine-game format. This development could spark renewed discussions about the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure, as all major conferences would be competing on a more even playing field.
Adding an 18th team to the ACC might provide a solution to the scheduling dilemma. While Memphis has previously shown interest in joining a major conference, the ACC may explore strengthening its existing partnership with Notre Dame, encouraging more matchups between the Fighting Irish and conference opponents.
Scheduling Concerns and Competitive Balance
Another pressing question is whether SEC teams will continue to schedule Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) out-of-conference games. While increasing the number of conference games is generally seen as a positive step towards enhancing competition, it may inadvertently lead to a reduction in challenging out-of-conference matchups.
If teams prioritize securing victories over competitive balance, there is a risk that they will opt for easier wins against lower-tier FCS teams rather than engaging in higher-stakes games. This adjustment could diminish the overall excitement of the SEC schedule, leaving fans disappointed if the focus shifts to accumulating wins rather than fostering competitive excellence.
Furthermore, how the SEC’s new schedule influences the CFP format is a crucial consideration. Historically, the SEC and Big Ten have had differing views on playoff configurations. The Big Ten has advocated for a 4-4-2-2-1 structure that allocates four automatic qualifiers from major conferences, while the SEC has supported a model rewarding the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large bids.
The SEC’s transition to nine conference games could make it more amenable to a playoff format that includes automatic qualifiers. As teams engage in more intense competition, it may secure additional playoff spots based on performance. Last season, the SEC managed only two at-large berths in the expanded 12-team playoff format, sparking concerns about its representation in future seasons.
As the SEC prepares for this significant change, its commissioner, Greg Sankey, may leverage the expanded schedule to advocate for more favorable playoff arrangements. The Associated Press recently highlighted the SEC’s dominance, featuring 10 ranked teams in its preseason top 25 poll, showcasing the conference’s strength and potential for “quality losses” that could impact playoff discussions.
While many details remain uncertain, the SEC’s shift to a nine-game conference schedule is sure to have far-reaching implications for college football’s competitive landscape, conference alignments, and playoff structures. The coming years will reveal how these changes unfold and their impact on teams, fans, and the future of college football.