SEC Rivalries Intact: Traditional Clashes Like Alabama-Tennessee, Auburn-Georgia, and Texas-Texas A&M Likely Preserved — But Who Gets Sidelined?

As the Southeastern Conference gears up for another seismic shift with the official arrival of Texas and Oklahoma, league officials are finalizing the structure of future football schedules. While the addition of two powerhouse programs has prompted discussions about expanding to a nine-game conference schedule, it appears that—for now—the SEC will stick to its current eight-game format. The big question: Can the league preserve its historic rivalries under this system, and what gets sacrificed in the process?

There’s little doubt that maintaining the SEC’s most iconic matchups is a top priority for the conference. Rivalries like Alabama vs. Tennessee, Auburn vs. Georgia, and the newly reignited Texas vs. Texas A&M clash hold enormous historical, cultural, and financial significance. These aren’t just games—they’re deep-rooted traditions spanning generations.

According to multiple sources close to the scheduling negotiations, the league is working diligently to ensure that these headlining matchups remain annual fixtures on the calendar. This likely means finding creative ways to preserve cornerstone games, even if it comes at the expense of others.

Commissioner Greg Sankey has publicly acknowledged the importance of these traditions, emphasizing that preserving the identity and legacy of the SEC is a driving force behind any scheduling decisions.

Currently, the SEC operates under an eight-game conference schedule: each team plays six division opponents, one permanent cross-division rival, and one rotating cross-division opponent. However, with the league’s divisions being eliminated to accommodate the 16-team expansion, the setup becomes more complicated.

In an eight-game, division-less system, each team could have one or two permanent opponents, with the rest of the schedule rotating annually. But with 16 teams and only eight conference games per season, the math gets tight—especially if the SEC hopes to keep all its primary rivalries intact.

If a team is granted two or even three permanent rivals (as some are lobbying for), it dramatically limits schedule flexibility and increases the likelihood that lesser-known but still meaningful matchups get cut.

Based on discussions among university officials, athletic directors, and league insiders, the following rivalries are considered all but untouchable:

Alabama vs. Tennessee: The “Third Saturday in October” remains one of the most anticipated games on the SEC calendar, and with Alabama’s fanbase deeply invested in the tradition, its inclusion is considered essential.

Auburn vs. Georgia: Known as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry,” this clash has been played nearly every year since 1892. It is an SEC treasure.

Texas vs. Texas A&M: While not yet restored on the field, this bitter in-state rivalry is slated to return with Texas joining the SEC. Both schools—and the league—are eager to bring it back.

Florida vs. Georgia: The annual showdown in Jacksonville is one of college football’s premier neutral-site games, combining tradition with massive economic and media impact.

Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State: The Egg Bowl might not have national title implications most years, but it’s fierce, emotional, and deeply personal within the Magnolia State.

For every classic rivalry preserved, another may fall to the side. Programs like Missouri, South Carolina, and even Kentucky may find themselves without a yearly grudge match.

Missouri vs. Arkansas, billed as the “Battle Line Rivalry,” could be on the chopping block despite being manufactured for proximity. LSU vs. Florida, a popular cross-division clash that’s often delivered thrilling contests, might also be dropped to maintain balance.

Texas vs. Arkansas is another historical rivalry that may not be able to resume annually despite a rich past, simply due to scheduling limitations.

Some schools may advocate for flexible rotations that allow for historic matchups to be played more frequently than a standard rotational cycle would allow. However, there’s skepticism about how feasible that truly is in an eight-game format.

Many in the college football world—including coaches, analysts, and fans—continue to advocate for a nine-game conference schedule. That format would allow three permanent opponents and a five-game rotation, providing the flexibility to keep more rivalries alive.

However, financial and political hurdles remain. Schools are hesitant to give up home non-conference games that bring in revenue, and there are concerns about the additional challenge of a ninth conference opponent on already difficult schedules.

But the pressure is mounting. The College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams may ultimately force the SEC’s hand, rewarding teams with tougher schedules and increasing the value of inter-conference showdowns.

The SEC’s final scheduling model could be revealed before the end of the summer, and it’s sure to stir both excitement and debate. Traditionalists will breathe a sigh of relief if legendary rivalries survive the restructuring, while others may lament the loss of less-publicized but still cherished annual clashes.