BOMBSHELL: SEC CAVES to Big 12's Pressure, Changes to NINE Game Football Schedule, Greg Sankey DONE!
BOMBSHELL: SEC CAVES to Big 12's Pressure, Changes to NINE Game Football Schedule, Greg Sankey DONE!  
Podcast: Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Thu Aug 21 2025
Description: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has approved a move to a nine-game conference schedule starting in the 2026 football season. This decision, which was recommended by the league's athletic directors and approved by the presidents and chancellors, ends a long-standing debate and aligns the SEC with the Big Ten and Big 12. Key Elements of the New Format No Divisions: The SEC will continue with a single-standings, non-divisional structure. The top two teams in the standings will play in the SEC Championship Game.Three Permanent Opponents: Each school will play three annual opponents to preserve traditional rivalries. The remaining six games on each team's schedule will rotate among the other conference schools.Increased Rotational Play: This new format ensures that every SEC team will face every other conference program at least once every two years, and every opponent home and away within a four-year period.Non-Conference Requirement: In addition to the nine conference games, each SEC team will be required to schedule at least one high-quality non-conference opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, or Big 12 conferences, or Notre Dame. Reasons for the Change The shift to a nine-game schedule is a response to several factors, including:College Football Playoff (CFP) Emphasis on Strength of Schedule: The CFP selection committee has recently stated it will place a greater emphasis on strength of schedule when determining which teams make the 12-team field. The new format ensures that SEC teams have a more rigorous schedule, which could give them an edge in playoff selection.Competitive Balance: A nine-game schedule ensures more competitive matchups throughout the season. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated that this format "delivers the most competitive football schedule in the nation."Protecting Rivalries: By designating three permanent opponents, the league is aiming to protect historic rivalries that might have been lost in a fully rotating schedule.Increased Revenue: The new format will lead to more high-profile games, which can generate additional revenue for the conference and its member schools.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Rugiet150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEUse code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!DripDropRight now, DripDropis offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promocode LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEOpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlbGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.