The SEC will begin playing a nine-game conference schedule in football during the 2026 season, a new format that includes three set annual opponents for every team.

The decision was approved by the league's presidents and chancellors Thursday after a recommendation from the athletic directors, and it follows an update to the strength of schedule metric used by the College Football Playoff.

“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Pla

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