SEC Announces 2026 Football Schedule with Key Matchups

The SEC has announced its 2026 football schedule, transitioning to a nine-game conference slate from the previous eight-game format. This change will result in 72 conference matchups, significantly increasing the number of competitive games for teams and fans alike, according to CBS Sports.

The new schedule requires SEC schools to play at least one Power Four opponent or Notre Dame each year, ensuring that at least 10 of every SEC team's 12 games will be against Power Four competition. The schedule also reflects the ongoing shifts in college football, particularly with the addition of Oklahoma and Texas from the Big 12 and the end of the SEC's long-standing divisional structure.

Notable matchups include the Lane Kiffin Bowl between LSU and Ole Miss on September 19, 2026, in Oxford, Mississippi. This matchup will mark the SEC opener for both teams, adding excitement as Kiffin returns to Oxford following his departure to LSU.

Alabama's schedule during Weeks 6 to 11 features challenging games against top teams like Georgia and Tennessee, emphasizing the competitive nature of the SEC moving forward. The full schedule details were released by CBS Sports and highlighted by Awful Announcing, showcasing key dates and matchups for all SEC teams.