The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is set to implement a new nine-game conference schedule beginning next season, which includes establishing three permanent rivals for each team. This change aims to align more closely with other Power Four conferences and ensure that each SEC team plays every conference opponent at least once every two seasons, and home and away at least once every four years. However, a few traditional rivalries have been sacrificed, notably the annual Alabama vs. LSU game and the Florida vs. Tennessee matchup, which are not included in the initial four-year plan.
The SEC plans to reassess and potentially revise these rivalries every four years, allowing for flexibility in response to the evolving dynamics of the conference. This update provides a balance between maintaining historic rivalries and offering opportunities for newer matchups.
The new scheduling model has its winners and losers. On the winning side, Tennessee benefits from a relatively favorable set of permanent rivals—Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt—though the consistent matchup against Alabama poses a challenge. Florida maintains its annual clash with Georgia in a neutral setting while drawing South Carolina and Kentucky as rivals, avoiding a matchup with LSU or Tennessee.
While many traditional rivalries are preserved or expanded beyond the permanent trio of rivals thanks to the rotating schedule, the absence of the Alabama vs. LSU game is notable given their storied history since 1964. This change leaves room for a scheduling refresh following the initial four-year cycle. Likewise, the Florida vs. Tennessee matchup, a staple since 1990, is on hiatus but could presumably return in future iterations of the schedule.
Other teams face tougher challenges under the new setup. Arkansas and Texas A&M are positioned against formidable opponents like LSU, Missouri, and Texas—a daunting prospect given their collective strong start this season.
Overall, the new SEC schedule seeks to balance tradition with adaptability, allowing for the preservation of longstanding rivalries while also accommodating the changing landscape of college football. The conference is demonstrating a commitment to maintain historic ties and foster competitive play in the coming seasons, with periodic reassessments providing the opportunity to adjust as needed. While some rivalries will be missed, this approach opens up possibilities for exciting new encounters, ensuring a dynamic and evolving conference landscape.