The 2026 college football season is fast approaching, and tensions are already rising. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) moves to a nine-game conference schedule, a change that impacts win-loss records and removes one of their prior advantages over other conferences like the Big Ten.
At the recent SEC media days, coaches and conference commissioner Greg Sankey began discussing the College Football Playoff. Despite not reaching the National Championship for three seasons and having a 2-7 playoff record against other Power 4 conferences, the SEC argues for more playoff spots based on depth and strength of schedule.
SEC’s Changing Narrative
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, at the SEC Football Kickoff Media Day in Tampa, expressed dissatisfaction with current playoff discussions. When the SEC was dominant, the narrative emphasized their depth, suggesting it prepared teams for playoff success. Now, with the adjustment to nine conference games, the narrative has shifted.
Commentators like ESPN’s Laura Rutledge attribute recent SEC playoff struggles to the intense competition within the league. She argues that the difficulty of a nine-game schedule exhausts teams. Although she claims not to make excuses, Rutledge’s statements reflect the SEC’s struggle with performance consistency.
I’m not making excuses… I’m just pointing out facts.
Paul Finebaum, another ESPN voice, previously backed the SEC’s eight-game schedule toughness. As the SEC adapts to a nine-game schedule, critics question whether the conference’s strength withstands scrutiny.
Examples from Ohio State and Indiana
The 2024 Ohio State team’s schedule included challenging games against highly ranked Oregon and Penn State. Hosting No. 5 Indiana and competing in rivalry games against teams like Michigan demonstrated a rigorous season. They convincingly defeated SEC teams and clinched the national title by overpowering top teams like Notre Dame.
Similarly, Indiana’s 2025 season culminated in triumph by defeating Ohio State before overpowering Alabama, Oregon, and Miami. Good teams are expected to win under pressure.
Criticism and Opinions
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti expressed criticism of the SEC’s excuse culture, emphasizing the Big Ten’s belief in earning achievements rather than complaining about challenges. His comments highlight the contrasting attitudes towards handling tough schedules and playoff outcomes.
Whether the SEC can overcome internal tensions to regain dominance remains to be seen. Their focus may need to shift back to winning games rather than justifying why success is hard to achieve.