DISTURBING: SEC Teams CANCEL Big Non-Conference Games, Fallout from Moving to 9-Game SEC Slate

The SEC faces backlash as the shift to a 9-game conference schedule prompts powerhouse programs like Alabama, Texas, and Florida to axe high-profile non-conference matchups—raising the question: Is college football's strength of schedule being sacrificed for playoff positioning? Chris Gordy examines how the College Football Playoff committee priorities have reshaped the SEC's strategy, with marquee games against teams like Ohio State, Arizona State, and Texas Tech scrapped in favor of easier paths to 10-2 records and lucrative playoff berths.

Key topics include the ripple effects for SEC revenue, player NIL compensation, and the survival of classic rivalries like Florida State–Florida and Clemson–South Carolina. The episode spotlights Jaden Rashada’s NIL saga, Jon Sumrall’s unfiltered take on coaching in the NIL era, and Alex Golesh's battle to maintain control over Auburn’s program amid booster influence. Will the new college football landscape reward mediocrity, or can the SEC recalibrate what it means to be elite?
 

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
 

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
 

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.