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The SEC is still weighing its options with regards to future scheduling modoels when Texas and Oklahoma join the league in 2024, per a report.
That’s according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, who noted Monday that more than half the league supports playing an 8-game schedule in 2024.
There’s been momentum previously for a 9-game schedule when the Sooners and Longhorns join the league, but that appears to be waning. According to Dellenger’s report, the lack of additional revenue from ESPN in exchange for a 9th conference game is a factor in potentially sticking with the 8-game model in 2024.
However, the 8-game slate could only be temporary. Per the report, there would still be a path for the SEC to expand to a 9-game conference schedule beginning in 2025.
“That’s probably what will happen,” a high-ranking SEC administrator told Sports Illustrated. “I don’t see the desire to go to a ninth game and not have any increase from a revenue standpoint. That’s what I think comes out this week, unless something dramatic happens.”
As Saturday Down South’s Matt Hayes shared on Monday, the SEC’s future scheduling model is expected to be a hot topic at the league’s annual spring meetings this week.
A 9-game model would allow for all SEC teams to have 3 permanent opponents. According to Dellenger’s report, the proposed 8-game model for 2024 would include 2 protected rivalries.
The SEC’s annual spring meetings begin on Tuesday in Destin.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
