The winds of change are sweeping through college football, and not everyone is ready to embrace the storm. With the introduction of a 12-team playoff format last year, debates have raged over fairness, transparency, and whether the committee’s weekly rankings truly reflect on-field performances. But while analysts continue to scrutinize the playoff system, another seismic shift is looming—one that could redefine competition in the SEC.
For years, the idea of expanding the SEC’s conference schedule from eight to nine games has been dangled like a carrot, always just out of reach. But now, thanks to Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, that long-awaited transformation might finally become a reality. His proposal? A bold restructuring of the SEC schedule that could send shockwaves through the college football landscape.
And with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian already making headlines by skipping spring games in an effort to protect his players, the Longhorns seem poised to shake up the system from every angle.
A New Era for the SEC? Texas AD Pushes for Major Shakeup
The past year has been a whirlwind for college football, with the sport undergoing rapid transformations. Talks of expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 14—or even 16—teams have surfaced, alongside discussions about reshaping conference schedules. And now, the SEC is on the verge of one of its most significant changes yet: adopting a nine-game conference schedule.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey recently hinted at strong support for the move, stating, “There’s a lot of interest in (a nine-game conference schedule).” But while some programs remain hesitant, Texas AD Chris Del Conte is fully on board.
Del Conte believes a nine-game format is not just beneficial but essential. In a conversation with Bobby Burton of On Texas Football, he explained why he’s championing the shift:
“I’m a big proponent of nine games… selfishly, we play one game at a neutral site. So last year, we had the benefit of having four SEC games at home. This year, we only get three. A nine-game schedule gives us a balance—four on the road, four at home, and our neutral-site game.”
For Del Conte, it’s not just about fairness—it’s about maximizing opportunities for Texas and the rest of the SEC. More conference games mean bigger matchups, greater television revenue, and a more competitive schedule that could strengthen a team’s case for a playoff spot.
But not everyone is thrilled about the idea. Critics argue that an extra conference game increases the risk of losses, making it harder for SEC teams to secure playoff bids. After all, the SEC is already the toughest conference in college football—why make the road even more brutal?
Nick Saban: The Lone Voice of Reason?
Before Del Conte threw his weight behind the proposal, there was one man who saw this coming: Alabama’s legendary head coach, Nick Saban.
Saban has long advocated for a nine-game SEC schedule but with a crucial caveat—fairness. Back in 2022, during the SEC spring meetings, he called for not only more conference games but also a mandate requiring teams to schedule at least one non-conference game against another Power Five opponent.
“I’ve always been for playing more conference games,” Saban declared. “I think the nine-game format is a start in that direction, but what is the best model? That’s the issue. What is the best model? Are other conferences doing the same thing? Are they going to play more conference games? Are they going to have the same kind of competitive balance?”
Saban’s concerns strike at the heart of the debate. If the SEC increases its conference schedule while other leagues stick with eight games, does that put SEC teams at a disadvantage in the playoff race?
The question remains: Will other conferences follow suit? Or will the SEC be left to battle itself in an even more brutal gauntlet, while other teams from the Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12 coast into the playoffs with softer schedules?
The Money Factor: Is This Just a Cash Grab?
Let’s be real—college football is a business, and money talks. The push for a nine-game SEC schedule isn’t just about competition; it’s about revenue.
A longer conference schedule means more marquee matchups, which translates to higher TV ratings and bigger paychecks from media rights deals. The SEC’s broadcast partners, including ESPN and CBS, would love nothing more than a slate filled with heavyweight showdowns like Alabama vs. Georgia, Texas vs. LSU, and Tennessee vs. Florida every single season.
For programs like Texas, this is a win-win scenario. They get more exposure, more home games, and a stronger schedule that could help their playoff chances. But for smaller programs, an additional conference game could be a death sentence, forcing them to face yet another powerhouse opponent instead of padding their record with an easier non-conference matchup.
What’s Next? The Decision Looms
With the SEC’s spring meetings fast approaching, the debate over the nine-game schedule is reaching its boiling point. Coaches and athletic directors will have to weigh the risks and rewards of a tougher schedule, knowing that whatever decision they make will shape the future of the conference—and perhaps all of college football.
Will Del Conte’s vision become a reality? Will Saban’s warnings be heeded? Or will the SEC back away from the challenge and keep its current format intact?
One thing’s for sure: The college football landscape is changing fast. And if Texas has its way, the SEC is about to enter a whole new era—one where competition is fiercer, stakes are higher, and there’s no room for second-guessing.
