In addition to likely improving each team's schedule strength by requiring 10 games against Power 4 competition, the format change will protect some longstanding rivalries on an annual basis. Each SEC team will play 3 conference opponents annually, with games against the other 12 teams in the league on a rotating basis.

The Southeastern Conference is moving to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026, ending a yearslong debate and potentially easing a path toward another expansion of the College Football Playoff.