The SEC’s long-awaited 2026 schedule release arrived Thursday night, marking a historic turning point for the conference. For the first time ever, the SEC will transition to a nine-game league schedule next season, a shift designed for the expanded College Football Playoff era and one that aligns the conference with the Big Ten and Big 12 in terms of scheduling rigor.
With the addition of permanent rivals and a rotating six-game slate, the conference’s new model aims to strengthen résumés across all 16 programs. Commissioner Greg Sankey has emphasized that the updated approach should enhance annual playoff opportunities under the new selection committee metrics, which now heavily prioritize schedule strength.