SEC's Ninth Game Forces Mississippi State Schedule Shake-Up

Bulldogs drop Texas Tech series as conference's new scheduling mandate reshapes future plans, revenue projections, and TV power.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mississippi State has canceled its previously scheduled home-and-home football series with Texas Tech, a move driven by the SEC's decision to expand to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026. The Bulldogs' athletic director says the change is forcing them to reevaluate future non-conference matchups to balance competitive goals, financial needs, and television exposure.

Why it matters

The SEC's scheduling shift is having ripple effects across the conference, as athletic directors must make difficult tradeoffs to protect home games, preserve rivalries, and meet league requirements for Power 5 opponents. These changes are not just about schedules, but also about television inventory, revenue projections, and the SEC's growing dominance in college football.

The details

Mississippi State had originally agreed to the Texas Tech series in 2018, but the games no longer fit with the Bulldogs' future plans after the SEC added a ninth conference game. While Mississippi State won't owe a buyout, the cancellation underscores how the SEC has become the dominant scheduling force. The Bulldogs must now find a replacement Power 5 opponent to meet conference requirements, while also trying to maintain seven home games per season for financial reasons.

  • The Texas Tech series was originally scheduled for 2028 in Starkville and 2029 in Lubbock.
  • The SEC's decision to expand to a nine-game conference schedule will take effect starting in 2026.

The players

Zac Selmon

The athletic director of Mississippi State University who has had to make multiple adjustments to the Bulldogs' future schedules due to the SEC's expanded conference schedule.

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, whose decision to add a ninth conference game has reshaped scheduling across the league.

Keith Carter

The athletic director of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), who has also had to navigate the scheduling changes brought on by the SEC's new nine-game format.

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What they’re saying

“When the league adds a game, everyone adjusts.”

— Zac Selmon, Mississippi State Athletic Director (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Mississippi State will be actively seeking a replacement Power 5 opponent to fill the open date on its 2028 schedule, while also trying to ensure it hosts seven home games each season to maximize ticket revenue and fan engagement.

The takeaway

The SEC's decision to add a ninth conference game is forcing major scheduling changes across the league, as athletic directors must balance competitive goals, financial needs, and television exposure. These shifts underscore the conference's growing dominance and its ability to reshape the college football landscape through its scheduling requirements and television partnerships.