Oxford, Mississippi, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The Southeastern Conference has released the Ole Miss football schedule for 2026 to 2029, highlighting a revamped approach that includes a nine-game conference schedule. The new format requires teams to face all league opponents at least once every two years while preserving traditional rivalries. Ole Miss will continue to play its annual rivals, including LSU and Oklahoma. Additionally, teams must schedule a major nonconference opponent each season, enhancing competition and variety in matchups.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has announced the Ole Miss football schedule for the upcoming seasons of 2026 to 2029, featuring significant changes to its format. This new schedule was revealed on September 23, 2025, following approval from the SEC’s presidents and chancellors in August.
As part of the reform, Ole Miss will play its traditional annual opponents, which include LSU, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State, during these seasons. The SEC has introduced a new nine-game schedule that requires each team to face every league opponent at least once every two years. This means every SEC program will have the opportunity to host and visit other teams across the conference every four years.
Under the new guidelines, beginning in 2026, SEC teams must also schedule at least one major nonconference opponent, sourcing teams from leagues such as the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or even Notre Dame. This will enhance the variety and competitiveness of the matchups.
2026 Schedule Overview
In 2026, the Ole Miss Rebels will host five home games in Oxford, facing LSU, Mississippi State, Auburn, Georgia, and Missouri. The team’s away games will include trips to Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, and Vanderbilt. Overall, Ole Miss will play a total of eight opponents during the 2026 season.
Future Adjustments
The SEC plans to re-evaluate the schedule every four years for potential adjustments. The changes aim to strike a balance between maintaining traditional rivalries and achieving competitive parity amongst teams in light of the evolving College Football Playoff landscape.
The SEC is hopeful that this new scheduling format will contribute to the enhanced competitiveness of its teams within the playoff era, ensuring that teams from different conferences confront one another, ultimately raising the overall level of NCAA football.
Summary of Changes
- SEC teams will play a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026.
- Teams will face all league opponents within a two-year cycle.
- Annual rivals for Ole Miss: LSU, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State.
- Each team must schedule at least one significant nonconference opponent each season.
- Every SEC team will play home-and-away against all other teams every four years.
Background
The SEC’s push for a new scheduling format aims to enhance the quality and relevance of college football as it transitions into the playoff-centric era. By ensuring varied matchups and the inclusion of major nonconference opponents, the SEC is promoting a more exciting and competitive atmosphere that showcases the depth of talent across its member institutions.
FAQs
What changes has the SEC made to the Ole Miss football schedule?
The SEC has introduced a new nine-game schedule format starting in 2026, requiring teams to play every league opponent at least once every two years.
Who are Ole Miss’s annual opponents from 2026 to 2029?
Ole Miss will have three annual opponents: LSU, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State.
What are Ole Miss’s home games in the 2026 season?
In 2026, Ole Miss will host LSU, Mississippi State, Auburn, Georgia, and Missouri.
What are the away games for Ole Miss in the 2026 season?
The Rebels will play away games against Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, and Vanderbilt in 2026.
How often will the SEC schedule be revisited?
The SEC’s schedule will be revisited every four years for potential adjustments.
What is the goal of the new SEC schedule format?
The goal is to protect traditional rivalries while creating a more balanced schedule and enhancing competitiveness in the College Football Playoff era.
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