Overview

• The SEC grew to 16 teams with Texas and Oklahoma, scrapped divisions and must now choose between an eight- or nine-game conference slate for 2026 and beyond
• Greg Sankey outlined eight-game scheduling plans designed to preserve marquee matchups like Alabama-Tennessee, Auburn-Georgia and Texas-Texas A&M
• Several athletic directors caution that an eight-game format could put secondary rivalries at risk unless a nine-game option is adopted
• Adding a ninth conference game could unlock higher-profile matchups and potential revenue increases from media partner ESPN No firm vote date has been set, and league officials indicate the schedule decision could come before the College Football Playoff structure for 2026 is finalized