SEC to Stay at Eight Conference Games
The SEC will stick to playing eight league games per season, according to Action Network HQ's Brett McMurphy.
"In the one-year schedule, SEC teams will play eight conference games plus one required opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 or major independent during the 2024 season when the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas join the league," wrote the SEC.
However, changes are still on the way.
The SEC plans to get rid of divisions when Texas and Oklahoma join, meaning the top two teams in the conference will play in the SEC championship.
"In addition, the SEC will eliminate divisional standings beginning in 2024. The SEC Championship Game will feature the two top teams in the Conference standings at the end of the regular season. The single-standings format will allow every school to play every other school a minimum of two times in a four-year period, regardless of whether the SEC utilizes an 8-game or 9-game format for future Conference competition," said the SEC.
The conference will decide opponents based on two values, fairness and traditional rivalries.
The decision is set to be short-term, as Sankey "expects to have a more long-term scheduling format approved by this time next year." The SEC did debate two and four year plans but ultimately decided on a one-year test.