ESPN’s latest preseason strength of schedule rankings have sparked a familiar wave of backlash, and this time the SEC is right in the middle of it.
The rankings show all 16 SEC programs with schedules that land among the 20 toughest in the country, a result that immediately lit up social media with criticism from fans who believe the network’s SEC broadcast relationship colors the numbers. Ohio State, Michigan, Northwestern and USC were the only teams outside the league to crack ESPN’s top 20.
The debate arrives as the SEC prepares for a major scheduling shift in 2026, moving from eight conference games to nine. That change became necessary after Oklahoma and Texas joined the league in 2024 and the SEC dropped its East and West divisions for scheduling purposes. Keeping the schedule at eight games would have put traditional rivalries at risk of losing annual status, while the move to nine games also fits the SEC’s push to strengthen its standing with the College Football Playoff committee.
To make room for the extra conference game, the SEC cut its second Group of Six non-conference matchup. The tradeoff gives fans the chance to see as many as five marquee home games, while also setting up a tougher road for teams trying to reach the playoff. With the league also requiring a Power Four non-conference game, SEC schools are staring at some of the most demanding slates in the sport.
Still, the rankings drew plenty of skepticism. One fan wrote, "I understand the SEC is tough, but I find it hard to believe that's not the hardest schedule in football."
Another pointed directly at ESPN’s business ties, saying, "ESPN should not have a hand in ranking teams, in any manner (not even strength of schedule) if they have a financial interest in the broadcast rights of certain team."
Others mocked the logic behind the rankings. "The SEC's schedule is so strong, because our preseason rankings say so.
And what are they based upon! Nothing on the field, that's for sure!"
one post read.
Another fan dismissed the model outright: "Hilarious. And here ladies and gentlemen, is why FPI is a worthless model."
The criticism kept rolling in from there. "Interesting.
Hey ESPN, can you tell me who owns the broadcasting rights for the SEC?" one user asked.
Another pointed out, "Yet no team from the SEC have made a national championship in three years."
And one final post summed up the mood bluntly: "ESPN broadcasts SEC hence this ranking. Absolute fraudulence at the highest degree."
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