SEC Expansion: What a Nine-Game Schedule Means for Texas and Its Permanent Rivals

The Southeastern Conference is on the cusp of a new era. With Texas and Oklahoma now in the league, the SEC will now shift to a nine-game conference schedule — a move that would better balance competition, boost television value, and preserve rivalries across the newly expanded 16-team powerhouse.

For Texas, the new format won’t just mean more SEC matchups — it will also determine which rivalries get locked in as annual fixtures. Under the most likely scheduling model, each team would be assigned three permanent opponents while rotating through the rest of the league. This guarantees tradition-rich rivalries survive while still allowing variety in scheduling.

So, who will the Longhorns face every year? Three teams stand out as near locks:

1. Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry)
This is the easiest choice of all. The Texas–Oklahoma rivalry, played annually at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, is one of college football’s crown jewels. The SEC has every incentive to protect this matchup, both for tradition and for television ratings. It’s a non-negotiable permanent game.

2. Texas A&M (Lone Star Showdown)
The return of Texas–Texas A&M is one of the biggest storylines of conference realignment. The bitter in-state rivalry was lost when A&M left for the SEC in 2012, but it will now be restored as a yearly battle. Geography, recruiting, and fan demand make this a must-have permanent opponent for the Longhorns.

3. Arkansas (The Old Southwest Rivalry)
The third permanent slot is a little less obvious, but Arkansas makes the most sense. The Razorbacks and Longhorns share a long history dating back to their Southwest Conference days. The two programs renewed their rivalry in recent non-conference games, and Arkansas gives Texas a natural border-state opponent that fits both geographically and historically.

Other schools like Missouri or LSU could be considered, but Arkansas’ historic ties and proximity make it the most likely choice.

The Bigger Picture
A nine-game SEC schedule will make the league even more grueling. Texas could face Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Arkansas every year, plus six more SEC games against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and LSU in rotation. For the Longhorns, there will be no easing into their new league — every season will be a gauntlet.

Still, from a fan perspective, the change brings tremendous excitement. Rivalries old and new will be front and center, and the Longhorns’ path in the SEC will be filled with marquee matchups from September through November.