Eli Drinkwitz at SEC Media Days (copy)

Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz speaks during the 2025 SEC Media Days in Atlanta. On Monday at SEC Media Days, Drinkwitz gave his thoughts on the SEC’s switch to a nine-game conference schedule. The change came after coaches and fans began questioning the strength of schedule for teams in the conference.

Courtesy of Mizzou Athletics

TAMPA, Fla. — The Southeastern Conference voted to add a ninth game to its already tough conference schedule during this year’s SEC meetings in May.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz spoke Monday morning at SEC Media Days about how that will affect his team’s path to its potential first College Football Playoff appearance.

The change came after coaches and fans began dismissing the conference’s strength of schedule due to teams scheduling a cupcake game prior to their final game of the season. The Tigers were one of eight teams that front-loaded their schedule with weaker opponents and, instead of an easy game before their last game, they played at Oklahoma. Mizzou lost that game 17-6.

While teams first opposed the idea, a strong incentive to vote in favor of adding the ninth game was offered during the meetings.

“I distinctly remember last year, being in the SEC meetings and when we were discussing the eight to nine game scenario, and we were being told that if we didn’t vote to go to a nine game, then the playoffs wouldn’t expand,” Drinkwitz said.

The Tigers added a night game vs. Mississippi State in Starkville to open up conference play.

Drinkwitz is not underestimating the Bulldogs or their drawing power. They’re known for their ability to fill 60,000-seat Davis Wade Stadium with the sound of cowbells. Last season, Mississippi State pulled off an upset at home in Week 2 against the defending Big 12 Champions, Arizona State, with a late score.

Missouri will also travel to Ole Miss, Arkansas and Georgia. It hosts Florida, Texas A&M, Texas, Kentucky and Oklahoma.

Drinkwitz said he did not realize that most teams in the Big 10 do not play against other Power Four conference opponents. Big 10 teams were particularly critical of SEC scheduling at times last season.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin was one of the leading voices opposing the ninth conference game, believing that it was not the right move for the SEC. Not only do some of the best teams in the country reside in the SEC, but it also has nine of the 15 biggest stadiums in the country, according to NCAA.com.

Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez said he welcomes the extra game.

“It’s going to be great,” Rodriguez said. “It’s going to be tough but that’s what we signed up for.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey defended a ninth conference game.

“I’m actually one who believes competitors want great challenges,” Sankey said. “I’m unapologetic about that reality.”

Mizzou opens its SEC schedule at Mississippi State, starting at either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 in Starkville, Mississippi.