The SEC has played eight conference games each season since 1992 when the conference expanded to 12 teams with the addition of Arkansas and South Carolina. The Atlantic Coast Conference still plays eight league games. The Big 12 and the Big Ten already play nine. Under the SEC's new format:

"It’s all about getting the best five," Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said of his late-camp changes to his offensive line.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Southeastern Conference (SEC) today announced it will implement a nine-game football schedule beginning in 2026, reinforcing the SEC’s position as the nation’s leader in competitive excellence and fan excitement.