Iron Bowl 2023 E1755811224487 — There will be nine SEC opponents on the schedule for Alabama + Auburn in 2026. (University of Alabama Athletics)

The grinding SEC football gauntlet is going to be a little bit tougher starting in 2026.

The conference just announced a major adjustment to future schedules for its 16 teams including Alabama and Auburn. The new schedule dictates every team will play nine conference opponents and at least one other power-four conference (ACC, Big 10, Big 12 or Notre Dame) opponent each season.

“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation. 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.”
Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner

The SEC has played eight conference games each season since 1992 when the conference first expanded from 10 to 12 teams with the addition of Arkansas and South Carolina.

The SEC played seven conference games per year from 1988-1991 and six games from 1974-1987. Prior to 1974 there was no uniform requirement for the number of conference games to be played by each school, with most schools playing six or seven league contests per year.

9-game format

The SEC will continue its single standings, non-divisional structure that it started when Texas and Oklahoma joined in 2024.

Each school will have three annual opponents which will maintain most of the traditional rivalries. You should expect to see the Iron Bowl, the Third Saturday in October and the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry among them.

The remaining six games for each team will rotate among the other 12 conference teams which means teams will face every SEC program at least once every two years along with hosting every SEC program every four years.

“The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics. Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.”
Greg Sankey