SEC schedule begins Sept. 26, LSU-Mississippi State headlines Week 1

The SEC announced its Week 1 slate Monday as its 2020 football schedule is set to kick off Sept. 26.

All 14 teams in the esteemed conference will play on the opening Saturday, headlined by matchups between LSU and Mississippi State, and Alabama versus Missouri. The former will see the reigning national champion take on Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach in his first game with the program.

Two other title contenders in Georgia and Florida will open their campaigns on the road against Arkansas and Ole Miss, respectively.

The SEC recently added two matchups for each team as part of its pandemic-adjusted conference-only schedule, meaning each school will play a total of 10 contests.

The conference's medical advisory group gave its presidents the green light to prepare for a fall season Aug. 11. COVID-19 protocols and guidelines mandate at least two tests per week and coaches to wear face coverings on the sidelines during games.

A full 2020 schedule is expected to be released Monday at 7 p.m. ET.