SEC to implement 9-game conference football schedule in 2026

The SEC will implement a nine-game conference football schedule starting in 2026, the league announced Thursday.

SEC teams have played eight conference football games each season since 1992.

As part of the SEC's updated schedule, each school will play three annual opponents with a focus on traditional rivalries. Each team's remaining six league games will rotate among the remaining schools in the conference.

The new format will also have each team face every other SEC school at least once every two years and every opponent home and away in a four-year stretch.

The SEC is keeping its single-standing, non-divisional structure.

"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 Playoff."

SEC teams are also required to schedule at least one extra high-quality non-conference matchup from the ACC, Big Ten, or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame each year.

Four SEC teams - Georgia, Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Kentucky - need to cancel non-conference games next season, according to CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello.

The SEC's decision to go from eight to nine conference football games comes amid constant talks about revamping the current College Football Playoff model.