SEC to Reveal Annual Football Opponents in Major Announcement

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Southeastern Conference (SEC) will announce the three annual football opponents for each school on Tuesday, September 23, during a one-hour special titled, SEC Now: 2026-29 Football Opponents Reveal.

The announcement is set to air at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network and ESPN2. The SEC will also unveil the matchups for the 2026 season and beyond, following its recent shift to a nine-game conference schedule.

In August, SEC officials voted to move from an eight-game to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026. Each of the 16 teams will have three annual opponents, which the conference plans to review every four years. This will allow for adjustments to the matchups, focusing on maintaining traditional rivalries.

According to sources, Missouri‘s likely annual opponents are Arkansas and Oklahoma, though the identity of the third opponent remains uncertain.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the league’s commitment to competitive scheduling in a previous statement, noting, “Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation.”

In addition to its three annual opponents, each SEC team will face six rotating conference opponents each season. This format will enable teams to play every other SEC school at least once every two years.

The SEC’s decision to switch to a nine-game schedule also aligns with recent changes involving the College Football Playoff, which takes into account the strength of schedule. The conference believes this change will enhance its members’ chances for playoff selection.

The first full look-in at this new scheduling format will take place after the 2029 season, allowing for future tweaks based on competitive balance.