The change was approved by conference presidents and chancellors. It previously had been recommended by league athletic directors.

After years of deliberation, the SEC has announced it is moving to a nine-game conference schedule, aligning with the Big Ten and Big 12's formats.

The SEC will play a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026, the league said Thursday, a historic move it's been considering for years. The decision was approved by the SEC's presidents and chancellors after a recommendation by the athletic directors in the conference.