SEC to go with 9-game schedule starting in '26

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has announced that it will transition to a nine-game conference football schedule starting in the 2026 season. This change from the current eight-game format is intended to enhance the competitiveness and quality of the conference's football program. The decision was made by the SEC's presidents and chancellors, who cited the desire to provide more opportunities for SEC teams to face each other and offer a more robust schedule for fans. This move aligns with the broader trend in college football towards more robust conference schedules, as other major conferences have also adopted similar approaches. The new nine-game schedule will not affect the SEC's long-standing tradition of non-conference games, which will continue to be part of the overall schedule. The specific details of the new format, including the potential impact on divisional structures, are yet to be finalized.