Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has expressed caution regarding the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) potential move to a nine-game conference football schedule. This proposal is a central topic at the 2025 SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida. While some coaches and administrators support the idea, DeBoer emphasizes the need for clarity on how such a change would impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection process.
DeBoer highlighted the challenges of Alabama’s demanding schedule, noting that the team finished the 2024 season with a 9-4 record. He questioned how other programs would fare against the Crimson Tide’s rigorous lineup, suggesting that the addition of another conference game could further complicate playoff considerations.
The SEC’s potential shift to a nine-game schedule follows the conference’s expansion with the inclusion of Texas and Oklahoma. The new format would involve each team playing three permanent opponents and six rotating ones annually. Commissioner Greg Sankey has indicated that the SEC may adopt this model once the playoff format is finalized.
DeBoer’s cautious stance reflects broader concerns within the SEC about the implications of a more challenging schedule on playoff eligibility and team performance. As discussions continue, the balance between competitive scheduling and playoff opportunities remains a pivotal issue for the conference.
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