SEC, Big Ten Discuss Scheduling Agreement with Annual Cross-Conference Games

LSU head coach Brian Kelly has voiced strong support for a potential scheduling agreement between the SEC and Big Ten, which would involve SEC teams playing a nine-game conference schedule plus one game against a Big Ten opponent and two additional nonconference games. This proposed arrangement aims to increase competitive matchups, as the Big Ten has won the last two national championships, highlighting the desire for the SEC to challenge the conference's depth and status. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has endorsed the idea, but the conference is awaiting clarity on how a nine-game schedule would impact College Football Playoff selections, especially as proposals suggest the SEC and Big Ten could each receive four automatic playoff bids in an expanded 16-team format. While no official changes to the playoff structure have been made, the SEC and Big Ten are moving closer to implementing this scheduling alliance, which could also be marketed as a separate TV package. Coaches like Kelly emphasize that such a pact would strengthen the regular-season schedule and showcase the SEC's premier league status. However, logistical questions remain about existing rivalries and playoff implications, indicating that final decisions will depend on forthcoming playoff format determinations.