For the next almost 12 months, SEC football fans will debate which SEC teams have the toughest and easiest 2026 schedules. Given that around 20-30% of each team's rosters are probably not set for next season, assumptions will change as talent levels ebb and flow. Every season has surprise teams, though it is difficult to believe that the SEC will have one in 2026 as surprising as the Vanderbilt Commodores in 2025.
Additionally, coaching carousels remain active, and it is not impossible Michigan could nab a current SEC head coach (just not one named Kalen DeBoer).