One Conference, Not the SEC, Is Discussing a Nine-Game Schedule

While the SEC is still trying to figure out how to schedule nine conference games without bruising egos, the Big Sky is already on the move.

Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill dropped a straightforward update on Twitter over the weekend: the league is actively discussing a shift to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026.

“This weekend we have been discussing moving to a nine-game Big Sky conference schedule starting with the 2026 season, which will create only more excitement for our league and increase our competitiveness,” Wistrcill wrote.

The move would mark a clear commitment to competitive consistency and league value, something Power Four leagues have danced around for years. While the Big Ten and Big 12 already run nine-game conference slates, the SEC has notoriously dragged its feet.

Meanwhile, the Big Sky, an FCS league, is out here pushing forward without the television money or brand leverage of the bluebloods. And they’re doing it with an eye toward what fans actually want: meaningful, competitive football on a weekly basis.

If finalized, the nine-game format would likely add structure to the Big Sky’s title chase and bolster playoff resumes for top-tier programs. It also reduces the number of out-of-conference layups and regional oddities that tend to weigh down early-season FCS schedules.

While the finer points still need to be ironed out, the Big Sky is clearly leaning into the idea of playing more league football. No backroom politics, no delays, and no fear of playing tough teams.

The SEC might want to take notes. Or at the very least, look north.