How will the 2024 SEC schedule look? The format has been released

After three days of conversation during the Spring Meetings, the SEC has decided to keep an 8-game conference schedule.

There was a rise of opposition released on Monday by 247sports Brandon Marcello that at least five schools were against going to a 9-game SEC schedule. That included Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Kentucky as programs wanting to continue the 8 game schedule.

Ole Miss went into the week being ‘on the fence’ about a move to 9 games.

How will it play out? The SEC will cease the operation of divisions beginning in 2024. That means each school will play every team within a two-year window. Plus, every player will have the opportunity to compete in a road game of a conference rival before their college football career is over.

Making it mandatory

The one year schedule will include eight SEC games. Plus, each school will be required to play one opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 or major independent during the 2024 season when Oklahoma and Texas join the league.

Arkansas is slated to play a road game with Big 12 power Oklahoma State in 2024. That’ll take care of the Razorbacks scheduling requirement from the SEC. Other Arkansas non-conference opponents for 2024 are home games against UAPB, UAB and Louisiana Tech.

With the removal of the east and west divisions, the 2024 SEC Championship Game will feature the two top teams in the Conference standings at the end of the regular season. The standings format will allow every school to play every other school a minimum of two times in a four-year period. No matter if the conference utilizes an 8-game or 9-game format for future Conference games the setup remains.

What the commish said

“During this time of change, our fans will continue to enjoy traditional rivalries and begin to see new matchups presented by the addition of two historically successful football programs to the SEC,” Sankey said.

Finally, each school’s opponents for the 2024 season will be announced June 14 on a special primetime show on the SEC Network. Specific dates of games will be announced at a later date.