For years, the SEC’s idea of non-conference excitement meant cupcake blowouts: Alabama vs. Whoever State, Georgia vs. Directional U. The result was obvious before kickoff, the score was a formality, the suspense gone by halftime. Fans got predictability instead of drama, networks got filler instead of ratings, and the only true winners were the visitors cashing million-dollar checks for their sacrifice.

For instance, Texas A&M in 2025: the school shelled out over $3.705 million for its non-conference slate, with individual payouts like this:

Utah State: $1.65 million

UTSA: $1.5 million

Samford: $550,000

But in 2026, the sugar-coated handouts end. Predictability dies. Something far more ruthless and thrilling rises from the ashes.

SEC’s new scheduling format

Starting in 2026, the SEC

See Full Page