ATLANTA -- SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has once again voiced his support for the adoption of a nine-game conference schedule within the SEC. This long-debated change could significantly influence the future format of the College Football Playoff (CFP). Sankey emphasized that a decision on this matter might be reached in the coming weeks or months.

"I think we should be working towards that," Sankey stated during an extensive interview with ESPN at the SEC media days. "My life doesn't end if we don't. There's this absolutist notion that he's going to dictate what's going to happen. I think we should have an adult conversation. We should be able to make a decision. I think nine games would promote great interest through the year, but it would be hard to coach. I've had candid conversations with coaches. I've told them that."

The SEC's scheduling future is closely tied to the ongoing playoff discussions, as CFP leaders continue to deliberate on the best format for 2026 and beyond. The SEC has shown a preference for a 16-team model that would include the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large teams. This format has gained some traction but still lacks support from the Big Ten, which advocates for automatic qualifiers and play-in games. Multiple sources within the Big Ten have indicated that they will not consider the 5+11 format unless the SEC and ACC move to a nine-game league schedule.

Sankey acknowledged that while his "membership is interested in moving to 16," he has not yet committed to a specific format and has not ruled out the possibility of a 14-team playoff. "It's an option," he said. "It was put into the consideration in January of '24 when we were going through the effort to sign the agreement. It's still there."

The deadline for any decisions on the playoff format is tied to the next TV agreement with ESPN, which stipulates that the 2026 format must be determined by November 30. "It says you have to determine the '26 format by Nov. 30," Sankey explained. "There's actually a '26 format. It's 12 teams and five conference champions. We can change it if we change it by that date, but that's the only date that I know exists, and everything else in between seems up to the parties making the decision."