SEC Adopts 9-Game Conference Schedule
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The SEC made official on Aug. 21 what has long been rumored. The league will move to a nine-game conference schedule beginning 2026.
With a home-and-home series against Alabama in 2026 and 2027 now in question, WVU Director of Athletics reiterated he would prefer for the Mountaineers to not face two high-major programs annually in non-conference play.
“Playing nine Southeastern Conference games, and 10 Power Four games out of 12 contests per year, obviously gives our loyal Auburn fans more SEC football to watch, but at the same time ensures that long-standing regional rivalries are maintained,” Cohen said in the statement.
The change was approved by conference presidents and chancellors Thursday. It previously had been recommended by league athletic directors.
Big Ten football has come in second behind the Southeastern Conference in power rankings published by CBS Sports.