SEC executives move closer to adopting nine-game conference schedule, school presidents to meet soon

Southeastern Conference executives are reportedly moving closer to adopting a nine-game conference schedule in football, according to Yahoo! Sports insider Ross Dellenger. This would be a move away from its traditional eight-game format and move more in line with the Big Ten and Big 12 formats.

A final decision rests with the SEC’s 16 school presidents, who are expected to meet soon to discuss the issue, according to Dellenger. Momentum for the move to a nine-game conference schedule grew this past offseason, specifically at the league’s annual Spring Meetings in Destin, but took a backseat to the SEC’s desire for the College Football Playoff selection committee to adopt a ranking criterion that highlights strength of schedule, which the CFP announced earlier this week.

Dellenger pointed out ESPN agreeing to add more money to its media rights deal for a ninth conference game, as well as the impact on future College Football Playoff expansion discussions, all factored into SEC leaders pushing the nine-game schedule to the forefront. It could be what ends up deciding things in the end.

Based on the previous nine-game models presented to SEC officials, each SEC team would annually play the same three permanent rivals, with the other six conference games rotating each season, per Dellenger. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has repeatedly voiced his desire for the league to adopt the nine-game conference schedule, mostly because of what it could mean for the future of the CFP.

If the SEC ultimately adopts a nine-game conference slate, it could be a key domino to fall. ACC leaders have reportedly agreed to follow suit in order for all four Power Four leagues — the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC — to utilize similar nine-game conference schedules, according to Dellenger.

Greg Sankey doubles down on desire for 9-game SEC schedule

As the debate continues around an eight- or nine-game SEC schedule, Sankey doubled down on what he wants. Speaking with ESPN’s Heather Dinich at SEC Media Days in mid-July, Sankey said he continues to support a nine-game slate. He also said he expects a decision in the coming weeks or months.

“I think we should be working towards that,” Sankey told Dinich. “My life doesn’t end if we don’t. There’s this absolutist notion that he’s going to dictate what’s going to happen. I think we should have an adult conversation. We should be able to make a decision. I think nine games would promote great interest through the year, but it would be hard to coach. I’ve had candid conversations with coaches. I’ve told them that.”

The Big Ten and SEC have the bulk of the authority when it comes to the future of the College Football Playoff. However, they disagree on what a 16-team bracket would look like. On3’s Brett McMurphy reported the Big Ten will not support a 5+11 format unless the SEC opts to adopt a nine-game schedule like itself. The Big Ten continues to champion a 4-4-2-2-1 model with multiple automatic qualifiers, while the SEC and Big 12 are backing the 5+11 model.

Under the 5+11 format, the five highest-ranked conference champions would be in the field along with 11 at-large teams. The 4-4-2-2-1 model, though, would give four bids each to the Big Ten and SEC. The ACC and Big 12 would get two bids apiece, the Group of Six would get one spot and three at-large bids would round out the bracket.

Each conference discussed the College Football Playoff proposals at their spring meetings. In Destin, the SEC shifted its focus toward the 5+11 model, but Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said last week the conference is still backing the 4-4-2-2-1.

— On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.