The SEC’s 9-game schedule was the talk of Tampa; here’s what MSU’s camp is saying about an added game
SEC coaches debate adding a ninth conference game, citing concerns over preparation and competitive balance, while MSU's camp weighs the potential impact.
- SEC coaches expressed unified opposition to a nine-game conference schedule during the SEC Football Kickoff Media Day in Tampa, Fla., preferring to maintain the existing eight-game format.
- Coaches argue that additional conference games do not improve playoff selection, fearing more losses will hurt their teams' standing with the selection committee.
- Missouri Tigers head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin led the criticism, with one coach remarking, "We're all saying it," regarding increased conference matchups.
- Programs rely on non-conference games to secure revenue and bowl eligibility; coaches contend fewer conference games provide clarity for rankings and committee decisions.
- While the SEC leadership pushed for the nine-game schedule to add clarity, coaches remain resistant, prioritizing easier paths to playoff contention over conference-wide uniformity.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Missoulian
SEC coaches united against nine-game schedule but it helps sort CFP race
SEC football coaches express regret over the move to a nine-game conference schedule despite SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey's push for it, citing concerns over fewer easier matchups and increased difficulty in securing wins for job security.
Danny Kanell ponders how SEC depth will be perceived after 9-game schedule
It’s talkin’ season in the college football world. All four major conferences have now held their Media Days events, and those have provided plenty of material for fans and media members to discuss. The strength of conferences is regularly brought up and debated, especially during Media Days. Nick Saban turned some heads when he said that the Big Ten’s run of 3-straight national championships doesn’t make it a better conference than the SEC. Sab…
The SEC’s 9-game schedule was the talk of Tampa; here’s what MSU’s camp is saying about an added game
The SEC’s new nine-game schedule was one of the hottest topics in Tampa last week. The 2026 season will be the first to feature a nine-game SEC conference slate, and it was mentioned 13 times combined among SEC coaches and commissioner Greg Sankey throughout the four-day SEC Media Days press conferences. LSU’s Lane Kiffin voiced concern about the changes effect on non-conference games, which under the new rules requires SEC schools to play one “…
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