Greg Sankey emphasizes the importance of SEC football teams scheduling major non-conference games starting in 2026. This includes at least one high-quality game against teams from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame.
Key points
SEC teams must play nine conference games starting in 2026
At least one high-quality non-conference game is required
High-quality opponents include teams from major conferences
Sankey sees playoff implications in scheduling
Future matchups may include Alabama vs. Ohio State and Georgia vs. Clemson
Mentioned in this story
SEC
Notre DameACCBig TenBig 12
Why Greg Sankey wants SEC football to still schedule major non-conference games
BIRMINGHAM — Greg Sankey knows what SEC football teams are in for starting in 2026.
The rules are simple. Member teams must play nine conference games paired with at least one "high-quality" non-conference game from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 or Notre Dame. Sankey understands how that looks different in the SEC compared to other conferences across the country, and across sports. He understands the College Football Playoff implications.
But make no mistake: Sankey wants games like Alabama football vs. Ohio State, or Georgia vs. Clemson in the future.
"No apologies for a hard schedule," Sankey said at the Associated Press Sports Editors Southeast Region meeting at the . "I do think that the games, national games with other conferences or with Notre Dame are really important."
Q&A
What are the new scheduling rules for SEC football starting in 2026?
Starting in 2026, SEC football teams must play nine conference games and at least one high-quality non-conference game.
Why does Greg Sankey want SEC teams to schedule major non-conference games?
Sankey believes that scheduling major non-conference games enhances competition and has implications for the College Football Playoff.
Which teams are considered high-quality non-conference opponents for SEC teams?
High-quality non-conference opponents include teams from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame.
What notable matchups does Sankey envision for SEC football in the future?
Sankey envisions matchups like Alabama vs. Ohio State and Georgia vs. Clemson as part of the future scheduling.
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Sankey said those games are what people want to see. It's an opportunity for players to see different competition at the highest level. And it's a showcase for the CFP selection committee to help make decisions.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell hands off to running back Daniel Hill at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dives forward to cover a loose ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell runs the ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
1 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
1 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
2 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
3 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell hands off to running back Daniel Hill at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
4 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
5 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
6 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
7 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
8 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dives forward to cover a loose ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
9 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell runs the ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
Alabama did cancel its 2028-29 home-and-home with Oklahoma State to adhere to the conference's policy of nine conference games each season and one "high-quality" non-conference game. Now, instead of the Cowboys in Stillwater, Alabama will open the season against Georgia State along with with home games against Ohio State and UT Martin.
No other promises by Byrne were made, even with home-and-homes scheduled against teams like Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Minnesota and Virginia Tech looming, some of which overlap.
While the focus is on the games Alabama could play, Sankey turned the attention to the games the Crimson Tide will play.
Alabama's opportunity to play nine conference games, just like every other team in the conference, gives Crimson Tide fans and players to see everyone in the league every two years. Every four brings every SEC team into Bryant-Denny Stadium. It's good for SEC football, Sankey said. It's good for college football as a whole.
"I know it's hard," Sankey said. "But there are a lot of rewards for doing hard things."
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him atcgay@gannett.comor follow him@_ColinGayon X, formerly known as Twitter.
