SEC Changes Lead to Scheduling Debate

For several years, the SEC had a slight edge over other conferences regarding record, rankings, and schedule strength. This advantage stemmed from playing fewer conference games. Unlike the Pac-12 and the Big Ten, which each played nine conference games, the SEC played just eight. This allowed SEC teams to schedule four non-conference games, often against weaker opponents.

Take the 2025 Missouri Tigers, for example. Their non-conference schedule included Central Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. These were four games where Missouri was favored to win, helping them secure victories before delving into conference play. Missouri’s head coach, Eli Drinkwitz, saw his team win four conference games: South Carolina (29-20), Auburn (23-17 in double overtime), Mississippi State (49-27), and Arkansas (31-17).

Despite these results, Missouri did not defeat a team with a winning record that season. Still, they maintained a presence in the AP Poll, ranked in 12 of 16 polls during the regular season. This 8-4 record appeared better in theory, but critics pointed out the impact of those scheduled wins.

For 2026, the SEC switched to nine conference games, eliminating the extra win cushion. LSU’s new head coach, Lane Kiffin, has already voiced his dissatisfaction with the schedule.

“Obviously we just played the best one in the country last week,” Kiffin said, criticizing perceived scheduling issues.

Kiffin’s complaints extend to LSU’s injuries, with key players like Whit Wheeks and Trey’Dez Green affected. Marty Smith from ESPN reported Kiffin’s belief that these injuries resulted from the nine-game schedule. This argument seems peculiar given LSU has played only two conference games so far.

Despite Kiffin’s frustrations, other conferences face significant travel challenges. USC, for instance, traveled to New Jersey for a game before returning to LA—a 6,000-mile round trip. In contrast, LSU’s longest trip is to Lexington, Kentucky. UCLA and USC each have road games involving considerable travel distances. Kiffin’s arguments may resonate with SEC supporters but are hard to justify when considering broader scheduling logistics.

Ian Miller from OutKick suggests Kiffin might advocate for a return to eight conference games, finding new points of contention in the future.