That escalated quickly.

On the same day that Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported the SEC was moving closer to adopting a nine-game conference schedule, the league had made it official.

The SEC formally announced the move Thursday afternoon, which was approved by the Presidents and Chancellors. It will take effect beginning in 2026, with the new format including three permanent opponents, with six rotating in each year. The league joins the Big 10 and Big 12, which both already play nine-game league schedules. SEC teams will still be required to play one “high-quality” nonconference opponent from the ACC, Big 10 or Big 12 each season.

“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey in a statement. “This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.

With the SEC making this move, it’s likely the ACC follows suit. Those discussions have already been taking place.

Clemson currently plays four out-of-conference games each season, with one coming against an in-state FCS school, one against a Group of 5 school, one against rival South Carolina and one more against another Power-4 opponent.

This year and next, that other Power-4 opponent is LSU, as the two programs are set to begin a home-and-home series on August 30 in Clemson. The school also has future home-and-home series scheduled with Georgia and Oklahoma.

The Tigers also recently announced a 12-game series with Notre Dame beginning in 2027, so if the ACC goes to the nine-game schedule model, it’s fair to assume the future home-and-home series with Georgia (2029-30) and Oklahoma (2036-36) will be in jeopardy.