Overview

• Multiple reports say SEC leaders are moving closer to adopting a nine-game conference schedule, with final approval resting with the league’s presidents.
• Under the leading model, each school would keep three annual opponents while rotating six others on a four-year revisit cycle to preserve marquee rivalries.
• ESPN has indicated it would increase rights payments to the SEC in exchange for the additional inventory created by a ninth league game.
• Most schools have non-conference openings that could allow implementation as soon as 2026, though Mississippi State’s 2026 slate may require an adjustment.
• The move would address a major sticking point in College Football Playoff negotiations and could prompt the ACC to pursue a similar shift.