SEC appears wide open with Georgia defending its title and Texas boasting a strong roster. Spotlight on underdogs like Alabama in SEC championship chase.

Arch Manning and Texas missed the Playoff last year but have high hopes of winning their first SEC title. Dale Zanine / Imagn Images At long last, the SEC has instituted a nine-game conference schedule.

After the Texas A&M Aggies landed a commitment from Donald Tabron for the 2028 cycle, the program is now one step further to pushing for another top class.

Where Steve Sarkisian and Texas football stack up among the SEC coaches and program intangibles in American-Statesman rankings of all 16 teams

It’s a drought the league desperately would like to end this season. But the path back to the top could be harder with the addition of a ninth conference game. Sure, it provides teams with an extra chance to prove they belong in the 12-team College Football Playoff.