SEC Football Expanding To Nine Conference Games In 2026

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Southeastern Conference (SEC) on Thursday announced it will expand its conference football schedule to nine games beginning in 2026.

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said the move was approved by the SEC’s presidents and chancellors after a recommendation from athletics directors and is expected to preserve traditional rivalries while increasing competitive balance.

“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” Sankey said. “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.”

The SEC has played eight conference games since 1992, when it expanded to 12 teams with the additions of Arkansas and South Carolina.

The new format will also keep the league’s single-standings, non-divisional structure.

Each school will now play three annual opponents, while the other six games will rotate among the remaining conference teams.

Under the new model, every SEC team will face one another at least once every two years, and home-and-home matchups will occur within four years.

SEC schools will also continue to be required to schedule at least one non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 or Notre Dame each season.

“The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics,” Sankey said. “Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.”

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