SEC Confirms Nine-Game Conference Schedule Starting 2026 — Who Should Auburn’s Three Permanent Rivals Be?
The SEC is shaking things up again, announcing that starting in 2026, every team will play a nine-game conference schedule. This is a big change from the current setup and will have a huge impact on rivalries, scheduling, and the overall competitiveness of the conference. Along with this new format, each SEC team will have three permanent rivals they face every year, while the other six opponents rotate on a schedule. For Auburn fans, this begs the question: which three teams should be locked in as their permanent SEC rivals?
This move by the SEC is part of a larger effort to balance tradition with fairness and excitement across the league. Adding more conference games means fewer non-conference matchups, but it also amps up the intensity of the SEC race. The three permanent rivals concept is especially crucial because it guarantees annual matchups that fans love and helps preserve the most meaningful, historical, and competitive games on the schedule. For Auburn, choosing these rivals will be a strategic decision balancing geography, history, and competitive spirit.
First and foremost, the Auburn-Alabama rivalry, known as the Iron Bowl, has to be one of the three permanent opponents. This is one of college football’s most iconic rivalries—intense, passionate, and steeped in history. Every year, the Iron Bowl captivates not just Alabama and Auburn fans, but the entire college football nation. Its significance goes beyond just wins and losses; it defines the season for both programs and influences recruiting, bragging rights, and state pride. Locking Alabama in as a permanent rival is an obvious choice, and any Auburn fan would agree it’s non-negotiable.
Beyond Alabama, geography plays a huge role in rivalry decisions. Rivalries often thrive on proximity because local bragging rights, recruiting battles, and fan interactions fuel the passion. For Auburn, another logical permanent rival is the University of Georgia. Auburn and Georgia have a long history in the SEC West and East crossover games, with memorable matchups that have often had conference championship implications. The border between Alabama and Georgia is close enough to make travel and fan presence easy, and both programs have strong fanbases that cherish their matchups. Georgia is a top-tier program with consistent national relevance, so keeping this rivalry annual would elevate Auburn’s schedule and maintain a competitive spark.
The third permanent rival slot is where the conversation gets interesting and somewhat more open. Several teams have a claim to that spot. LSU, Mississippi State, and Florida all have historical and regional ties to Auburn, but which one fits best?
LSU is a powerhouse in the SEC West and has produced some of the fiercest competition Auburn has faced over the years. Games against LSU are typically high-stakes and attract national attention. While not a traditional rivalry on the scale of Alabama or Georgia, the intensity and competitive nature of Auburn-LSU matchups argue for a permanent spot. LSU also represents a key recruiting battleground in the South, and keeping that rivalry annual would keep the Tigers on alert in the war for talent.
Mississippi State offers a more traditional rivalry feel with Auburn. The two teams have shared numerous intense battles and have a history of closely contested games. They’re geographically close, and the rivalry has roots that many Auburn fans cherish. While Mississippi State hasn’t always been a top-tier team, the proximity and tradition make this a strong candidate.
Florida is a bit of an outside contender but has a unique appeal. Auburn and Florida share SEC East-West cross-divisional matchups that have sometimes carried significant weight. Florida’s prominence and national profile mean that an annual game could elevate Auburn’s schedule and exposure. However, the longer travel distance and less entrenched rivalry history compared to other options might make this less likely.
In making this decision, Auburn’s coaching staff, athletic department, and fans will weigh multiple factors. Rivalries are about more than just football; they involve recruiting battles, alumni engagement, TV ratings, and fan interest. The permanent rivals chosen will affect the program’s future for years to come.
From a fan’s perspective, the ideal permanent rivals are those that bring the most excitement, tradition, and bragging rights. Alabama is a given, and Georgia fits perfectly. The third spot is tougher but might come down to who Auburn wants to challenge consistently and who fits best geographically and competitively.
This change to a nine-game conference schedule with three permanent rivals will also impact the overall SEC landscape. Teams will face fewer non-conference opponents, meaning every SEC game carries more weight. For Auburn, having three reliable rivals to measure themselves against every year will provide stability and fuel for intense preparation and competition.
The announcement also stirs debate about how rivalries evolve. Some longtime SEC matchups could fade from the schedule with this new rotation system, but at the same time, locking in permanent rivals ensures some key traditions stay intact. For Auburn, maintaining those core rivalries will be essential to preserving the team’s identity and keeping fans engaged.
This adjustment also puts a premium on those permanent rivalry games for recruiting. Players often want to compete in the biggest, most meaningful games, and these locked-in matchups will be a selling point. Auburn can leverage its permanent rivalries with Alabama and Georgia, plus the third team, to showcase a tough, exciting schedule that prepares players for the pros and national spotlight.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Auburn’s choice of permanent rivals will shape the team’s competitive narrative. Every season, those three games will carry extra weight, impacting the Tigers’ chances at division titles and SEC championships. They will be moments fans circle on their calendars, tailgate around, and debate for weeks.
Beyond just the on-field implications, this decision has cultural importance for Auburn football. Rivalries create memories, traditions, and a sense of community. They bring together players, coaches, alumni, and fans in a way that few other games can. Securing the right permanent rivals helps ensure Auburn football continues to thrive not just as a team, but as a passionate, vibrant program with a rich history and bright future.
Ultimately, while the SEC made the nine-game schedule and permanent rival structure official, the debate over Auburn’s three permanent rivals is far from over. Fans and analysts will discuss and debate the options for years, weighing history, geography, competitiveness, and emotion. But one thing is clear: Auburn’s permanent rivals will be central to the team’s identity in this new era of college football.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Auburn’s football community will be watching closely to see which programs join them in this permanent rivalry trio. Whatever the final decision, it promises to make every fall Saturday even more intense and meaningful for Auburn fans everywhere. The SEC’s new schedule format is a game-changer, and Auburn’s rivals will be at the heart of that new chapter.
