The SEC could soon adopt a 9-game conference schedule, according to a report.
While those negotiations have been ongoing for years, Yahoo!’s Ross Dellenger reported Thursday that discussions between SEC executives have advanced in recent days. SEC presidents are expected to “meet soon” to discuss the proposal, according to Dellenger’s report.
The news comes one day after the College Football Playoff announced it will be amending its strength-of-schedule metrics to give additional weight to programs who earn wins over quality opponents. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said earlier this offseason that CFP selection criteria would have an impact on whether or not the SEC moves from an 8-game schedule to a 9-game slate.
“In the SEC we’re not lacking for quality competition among our 16 football teams, but we’re going to continue to evaluate whether increasing the number of conference football games is appropriate for us,” Sankey said during his speech at SEC Media Days in July. “As I’ve said repeatedly, understanding how the CFP will evaluate strength of schedule and even strength of record is critically important in our decision-making.”
Dellenger’s report also notes the ACC could look to add a 9th conference game as well if the SEC makes that jump. The Big Ten and Big 12 already play 9 conference games each fall.
A 9-game SEC schedule could be a reality as soon as the 2026 college football season.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
