There are two notable differences in this year’s schedule. First, there are no longer two bye weeks on each team’s schedule. The way the calendar fell in 2024 and 2025, there were 14 available Saturdays from late August/early September and late November for teams to play 12 games. That changes in 2026.

Arkansas drops new schedule, nine-game grind featuring Georgia, Texas, LSU and plenty of familiar frustrations

The conference is better off with one division, which has led to better matchups even if it means minor headaches.

Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart picked up his first win against Alabama in the SEC championship game, as he was 0-4 against the Crimson Tide for an SEC title in his career. Smart also improved to 2-7 against Alabama, with his last win coming in the 2022 CFP national championship game.

New Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh thinks it was "unrealistic" for his team to get ready to play a bowl game.

Alabama may have played itself out of the College Football Playoff. With a dismal performance that raises serious doubts about their postseason worthiness, the 10th-ranked Crimson Tide were dominated by No.

SEC Championship Game sends Ty Simpson's 2026 NFL Draft stock spiraling originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.