The SEC unveiled its new nine-game schedule Tuesday night and with that came its selection of three "annual opponents" for all 16 teams. Think of annual opponents as the SEC's spin on protected college football rivals.

Instead of these protected rivalries being permanent, though, the league will reevaluate things after four years. So that leaves the door open for further changes in 2030.

The SEC made an effort to protect some of its most historic rivalries as it embarks on its latest scheduling initiative. With 16 teams to juggle, it was a Herculean effort. SEC football schedule: League releases every game for 2026-29, with three annual opponents for each team Will Backus

That also means some major games were left by the wayside. Here's a look at the annual opponent decisions

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