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The debate is over.
On Aug. 21, the SEC announced that beginning with the 2026 college football season the conference will shift to a nine-game regular season format for college football.
“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “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.”
This story will be updated
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC switching to 9-game conference schedule beginning in 2026
