Greg Sankey reveals timeline for SEC's decision on nine-game schedule

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has plenty on his plate but one of the biggest immediate problems is the conference’s scheduling model. Currently at eight games, a decision needs to be made on whether or not the SEC grows to nine. Debates have gone back and forth but still, no final determination.

One does appear to be close, though. Sankey says the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin is “probably” when an answer will be provided. But there are still question marks for athletic directors when it comes to the College Football Playoff.

“The concerning thing to me right now is the outcomes of the College Football Playoff selection committee’s decision-making,” Sankey said via The Post and Courier. “So you saw an athletic director, an athletic director who I like and respect at Nebraska (Troy Dannen), discontinue a planned series with Tennessee. The CFP selection committee feedback is a reason to do that, that it wouldn’t hurt them to not play that game. I think that’s a crisis moment. I think we have questions still, and we trust the committee to make decisions. But I have questions from last year and even the year before that haven’t been answered.”

Adding an extra SEC game to the schedule may be the difference between making the CFP or not. Many programs would likely be replacing what the outside would call a “cupcake” matchup, essentially a free win. Playing a conference opponent instead brings a much greater chance of losing.

Strength of schedule was a big talking point as the CFP committee went through the process this fall and will continue as SEC athletic directors discuss expanding to nine games. Ultimately, the goal is to make the Playoff, compete for a national championship, and bring in the revenue that comes along with success.

“Our athletics directors are interested in nine games, but also don’t want to sacrifice meaningful postseason opportunities,” Sankey said. “And so we should have a very rapid, deep conversation as CFP leadership about strength of schedule, about how that fits in the selection process because I don’t think we have the clarity we need.”

SEC schedules are already set for the 2025 season. If nine games is the decision, it will come into effect the following year in 2026. Exactly how the schedule is modeled will open up a new discussion, looking to protect rivalry matchups while making sure all 16 teams play against each other frequently.