SEC teams are currently slated to play eight conference games in 2025 and beyond, but that number appears temporary as the league continues to discuss expanding to a nine-game schedule.
Since the SEC expanded to 12 teams in 1992, the format has remained largely the same, with each team playing eight conference games per season.
The addition of Texas and Oklahoma in 2024 forced the SEC to make changes, eliminating divisions while retaining its eight-game conference schedule. Despite other leagues like the Big Ten and Big 12 expanding to nine conference games, the SEC has yet to follow suit.
But things certainly appear to be trending in that direction.
One complication is the evolving landscape of college football itself.
With major changes in recent seasons and a shifting playoff format, adding another conference game has become more challenging for the SEC.
Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina were all left out of the 12-team playoff in 2024, largely due to late-season conference losses. While adding a ninth conference game may boost revenue and entertainment value, it doesn’t necessarily benefit SEC teams from a competitive standpoint.
However, one pivotal change could make the SEC more likely to add another conference game: a guaranteed spot for multiple teams in the College Football Playoff.
This conversation has gained significant momentum in recent weeks, with both the Big Ten and SEC emerging as strong proponents.
While many have shared their opinions publicly, it will be interesting to see how these proposed changes are received in closed-door meetings among league officials and correspondents.
A College Football Playoff meeting is expected in mid-June, which could provide major clarity on the rumored 16-team format that may arrive as soon as 2026.
It will be interesting to see how the meeting unfolds—and whether the outcome prompts the SEC to move to a nine-game conference schedule, which would likely be implemented in 2026.