The SEC commissioner says the 2026 conference football schedule should be released soon, but there is "a lot of work to be done."

The impetus for the change of heart might be that the College Football Playoff will focus more on strength of schedule according to new criteria announced Wednesday, Marcello wrote. Schools are less likely to be penalized for an additional loss against a particularly tough schedule as they have been in the past when it comes to playoff positioning.

Beginning in 2026, SEC teams will have 3 permanent rivals and 6 rotating opponents in conference play. Each team will still be required to play a Power Conference opponent in nonconference play, though the difference now is that means 10 Power Conference opponents per year are required in the SEC instead of 9.