Home / Sports / Big Ten, SEC Clash Over Playoff Strength of Schedule
Big Ten, SEC Clash Over Playoff Strength of Schedule
2 Mar
Summary
- Big Ten is only power conference not requiring P4 nonconference games.
- SEC mandates 9 conference games plus one P4 opponent starting 2026.
- Texas' CFP snub fuels debate on scheduling difficult nonconference games.
College football conferences are recalibrating nonconference scheduling, influenced by the impending 12-team College Football Playoff and debates over strength of schedule.
Starting in 2026, the SEC will require its teams to play at least one opponent from another Power 4 conference, alongside nine conference games. The Big Ten remains the only power conference without such a mandate.
This strategic shift is partly driven by concerns that the CFP selection committee does not sufficiently value strength of schedule. Texas' exclusion from the CFP last year after a loss to Ohio State has intensified this discussion, prompting coaches to question the benefits of scheduling difficult opponents.
Consequently, several high-profile nonconference series have been canceled. This includes matchups between Nebraska and Tennessee, and Georgia and Louisville, among others. The trend reflects a growing emphasis on ensuring teams are positioned for CFP contention.
