The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is set to move to a nine-game conference football schedule beginning in 2026. This decision aligns with changes in College Football Playoff (CFP) metrics, which are increasingly prioritizing strength of schedule. As a result, teams like Alabama and Texas A&M will face more challenging matchups, while the conference also aims to foster annual rivalries and competitive balance. The new format is expected to impact various teams in the SEC, such as LSU, Georgia, and Kentucky, raising questions about how traditional rivalries will adapt to the expanded schedule. The ACC is also in discussions about a similar scheduling shift, potentially heralding a new era in college football scheduling across conferences.