The SEC’s transfer to a nine-game convention schedule in 2026 may reshape school soccer.
And Division I HBCUs should put together for the implications.
Probably the most quick affect is that SEC colleges will now play not less than 10 video games towards energy league opponents every season.
That’s 9 convention video games and one necessary non-conference matchup towards one other Energy 4 staff or Notre Dame, successfully squeezing out many non-power applications from the schedule.
The Faculty Soccer Playoff — particularly with the SEC and Massive Ten attempting to create an expanded format — is motivation for the change.
However what does this need to do with HBCUs?
For one, it means fewer SEC video games towards non-power convention opponents in FBS and FCS. This severely limits alternatives for an HBCU staff to land profitable “cash video games” with the SEC.
Conventional assure video games supplied excessive six-figure payouts for HBCUs. Whereas already scheduled dates towards SEC opponents aren’t at risk, fewer accessible opportunties years from now imply much less direct income from these contests.
How HBCUs may modify to fewer SEC cash video games
HBCUs could need to focus their scheduling efforts on Group of 5 colleges or focus on extra classics. Happily, FCS applications now have the flexibleness to play as much as 12 video games per season, however the greatest paydays could also be elusive, forcing colleges to lean into regional rivalries and media-driven showcase occasions.
With fewer annual SEC video games, HBCU groups could keep away from notably lopsided defeats and accidents, serving to preserve SWAC and MEAC races extra aggressive and boosting postseason hopes inside the FCS.
As conferences race to maximise their Faculty Soccer Playoff possibilities, the domino impact impacts all of Division I soccer—even HBCUs. This implies more cash for the SEC may very well be much less for everybody else.
