Kirby Smart Drops Hint About Future SEC Scheduling Amid College Football Playoff Expansion
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been regarded as the pinnacle of college football, and with the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding to 12 teams in 2024, changes to the league’s scheduling format are inevitable. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart recently provided insight into what fans and teams might expect moving forward. During a press conference addressing the Bulldogs’ playoff prospects, Smart subtly hinted at how the SEC might adapt its scheduling to align with the evolving postseason landscape.
The expanded playoff format presents opportunities and challenges for conferences like the SEC, which consistently produces some of the nation’s top teams. With more postseason spots available, the league must consider how to balance competitive fairness with the strength of schedule—a key factor in playoff selection.
Currently, the SEC uses an eight-game conference schedule, featuring six divisional games, one permanent cross-division rival, and one rotating cross-division opponent. However, this format will likely be overhauled when Texas and Oklahoma join the league in 2024, increasing the number of SEC teams to 16.
The conference has already floated two potential models for its future: a nine-game schedule with three permanent opponents and six rotating ones, or an eight-game schedule with one permanent opponent and seven rotating. Smart’s comments suggest that the SEC may be leaning toward a solution that maximizes flexibility while ensuring every team has a competitive path to the CFP.
When asked about the future of SEC scheduling, Smart was candid about the league’s priorities. “I think it’s clear we’re moving toward a model where every game matters more,” he said. “The expanded playoff means there’s more room for teams to get in, but strength of schedule is going to be a huge factor. The SEC has to find a way to showcase its depth without overloading teams to the point where they’re at a disadvantage compared to other conferences.”
Smart emphasized the importance of balancing tradition with innovation. “We have rivalries that define college football, and we have to protect those. At the same time, we need to ensure we’re giving every team a fair shot at the playoff. I think the league is working hard to find that middle ground.”
While he didn’t confirm which scheduling model the SEC will adopt, Smart’s comments hinted that he favors a format emphasizing rotating opponents. “Playing different teams more often would be great for the players, the fans, and even recruiting. It gives everyone a chance to see more of the conference and keeps things competitive.”
A shift to a nine-game schedule would provide more opportunities for marquee matchups, which could bolster the SEC’s standing in the eyes of the CFP selection committee. However, it would also add another challenging game to an already grueling schedule, increasing the risk of injuries and potential losses for teams.
On the other hand, sticking with an eight-game schedule might preserve player health and improve win totals for teams on the playoff bubble. But it could also lead to criticism that the SEC isn’t challenging its teams enough, especially if rival conferences adopt tougher schedules.
Smart’s comments also allude to the importance of keeping traditional rivalries intact. Georgia’s annual clash with Florida in Jacksonville, as well as its storied rivalry with Auburn, are cornerstones of the program’s identity. Any new schedule will likely prioritize maintaining such matchups
The SEC is expected to finalize its scheduling format in the coming months, but Smart’s remarks offer a glimpse into the considerations shaping the decision. With the playoff expansion set to begin next year, the stakes are higher than ever for the league to get it right.
For teams like Georgia, which regularly contend for national titles, the new scheduling format will play a crucial role in their path to the playoff. And for fans, the potential for more frequent matchups against a wider variety of SEC opponents adds excitement to an already thrilling conference slate.
As Smart aptly put it, “Change is coming, and the SEC will be ready. The goal is to make sure we’re leading the way, not just in talent but in how we structure the best league in college football.”