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

Aspects of the nine-game schedule include the league sticking with its non-divisional structure, each school playing three annual opponents with a focus on traditional rivalries, the other six opponents on a rotation and facing every SEC opponent at least once every two years and every opponent home and away in four years.

With the SEC expanding its college football schedule to nine games starting in 2026, USA TODAY Sports looks at Florida Gators' three potential rivals.