SEC’s 9-Game Conference Schedule Endangers Late-Season Cupcake Games

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is about to shake up its football schedule in a big way. Starting in 2026, the league will move from an eight-game to a nine-game conference slate.

This change, announced back in August, has sparked all kinds of reactions from coaches and fans. The main idea is to boost the SEC’s edge and get teams ready for the College Football Playoff (CFP), but plenty of folks are worried about what it means for team schedules—especially those late-season, easier non-conference games that have become a tradition.

The End of the “Cupcake” Game Tradition

For years, SEC teams have penciled in a so-called “cupcake” game near the end of the season. These are games against much weaker opponents, offering a breather before rivalry week or the postseason.

Take this season: undefeated and No. 3 Texas A&M hosts Samford (1-10). No. 4 Georgia welcomes Charlotte (1-9). No. 10 Alabama faces Eastern Illinois (3-8), and LSU takes on Western Kentucky (8-2).

Why the Change?

The push for a nine-game conference schedule comes from a desire to make sure SEC teams are ready for the CFP. Commissioner Greg Sankey says the extra conference game means teams face another tough opponent, which should help their postseason chances.

This move also brings the SEC in line with the Big Ten and Big 12, who already play nine conference games. It’s a big shift, no doubt.

Coaches’ Concerns and Reactions

Still, not everyone’s sold. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops hasn’t held back—he thinks the change doesn’t make sense for the SEC.

Stoops argues it just increases the odds of SEC teams beating up on each other, which could actually hurt their CFP hopes.

Impact on Team Performance

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who’s coached in both the Big 12 and SEC, points to the SEC’s depth of talent. With the most active NFL players, the league is already a grind.

Adding another conference game? That could make it even tougher for SEC teams to keep strong records, and that might mess with their CFP rankings.

Strength of Schedule and CFP Implications

Strength of schedule is a huge factor in CFP selection, but it doesn’t always seem consistent. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has criticized how the selection process works, especially with how strength of schedule is weighed.

Take this year: the CFP committee put Notre Dame (9) ahead of Alabama (10), even though Alabama had more ranked wins. That raised a few eyebrows and made the whole process look pretty subjective.

Future of SEC Teams in the CFP

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko is worried about what a nine-game schedule means for SEC teams in the expanded 12-team CFP. He says the committee needs to reward SEC teams for their tough schedules.

If the strength of schedule isn’t properly recognized, SEC teams could end up with more losses and fewer CFP bids. That’s a real concern.

Financial and Logistical Considerations

There’s more to this than just competition. The move to nine conference games changes the financial and logistical picture, too.

Most power conference teams play 12 regular-season games, aiming for 10 against other power opponents. That leaves two non-conference games, often against FCS or Group of Five teams. These “guarantee games” almost always mean a win and cost less than scheduling a tougher opponent.

Statistics and Trends

This season, Bowl Subdivision teams are 118-4 against FCS opponents, with an average win margin of 34.5 points. Power conference teams haven’t lost one of these games, usually cruising by 42.7 points.

It’s a pretty clear mismatch, and it’s easy to see why teams like to schedule these games—they’re practically automatic wins.

Final Thoughts

The SEC is shifting to a nine-game conference slate, and honestly, that’s a big deal for college football. It could crank up the competition, but it’s got coaches and teams a little uneasy, too.

There’s this lingering question: will the CFP selection folks actually give credit for tougher schedules? That’s what everyone wants to know.

Anyway, if you’re curious and want more details, check out the full article on Fox Sports.