SEC, Big Ten Discuss 9-Game Schedule Amid Playoff Expansion Talks

The SEC is actively exploring the possibility of increasing its conference schedule from eight to nine games, largely influenced by ongoing debates over the College Football Playoff (CFP) format and selection criteria. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has acknowledged that the CFP selection process, particularly concerns about the value placed on strength of schedule, is impacting scheduling decisions, with some schools worried that an additional difficult conference game could increase the risk of losses without guaranteed playoff benefits. Discussions at SEC spring meetings have included potential collaboration with the Big Ten to facilitate more inter-conference matchups, which could enhance competition and improve teams' CFP resumes. The proposed CFP expansion could grant the SEC and Big Ten four guaranteed playoff slots each, prompting the SEC to consider a nine-game schedule to maximize those opportunities, although this raises concerns about preserving traditional rivalry games and player health. Some athletic directors have voiced support for the nine-game model if it comes with playoff guarantees, and ideas such as mini-tournaments for certain ranked teams have been floated to allocate playoff bids within conferences. Meanwhile, the impact of the new 12-team CFP format has led to scheduling changes, including canceled rivalry games, as teams adjust to maintain a strong strength of schedule amid a more competitive and analytics-driven playoff environment.