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