Overview
- On Sept. 23, the SEC set permanent opponent pairings for 2026–29 with a four-year review that could reset matchups by 2030.
- Auburn’s annual trio will be Alabama, Georgia and Vanderbilt, locking in two of the league’s toughest games every season.
- The format requires nine conference games plus at least one nonconference opponent from a Power Four league.
- Starting in 2025, the CFP committee will weigh a new “record strength” metric that rewards results against difficult schedules.
- Hugh Freeze quipped “Were the Packers available?” while arguing that 8–4 or 9–3 should be valued, and his contract bonuses could be tougher to reach under the heavier slate.