​Cancel plans, call out of work, and tell those closest to you that you love them because the Southeastern Conference’s slate of football games this year is nothing short of spectacular.The upcoming season marks the first to feature a nine-game conference schedule, which means more bang for our buck when it comes to the intriguing storylines, heightened drama, and must-see television set to unfold in just a few short weeks. It is challenging to narrow this list down, with so many high-stakes contests on the docket for the upcoming campaign, but here are the 10 SEC matchups we believe you can’t afford to miss in 2026:10. South Carolina vs. Mississippi StateWhen? Saturday, Sept. 19, at 3:15 p.m. CTWhere? Williams-Brice Stadium – Columbia, S.C. Tale of the tape: After watching Jeff Lebby’s 2-10 performance just two years ago, many probably would’ve never thought that Mississippi State would be on a list like this, but something feels different about the 2026 Bulldogs. Kamario Taylor versus LaNorris Sellers could create fireworks in Columbia this September, as both programs open their respective SEC slate against each other. Shane Beamer and Lebby have their backs against the ropes this season, and only one of them can walk away from this contest a winner. It’s make-or-break for both of these coaches, which spells pure cinema in Week 3. 9. Auburn vs. FloridaWhen? Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. CTWhere? Jordan Hare Stadium – Auburn, Ala. Tale of the tape: Jon Sumrall and Alex Golesh meet again. This time, it will be in Jordan Hare at night in SEC competition. Both head coaches had successful campaigns with their former schools, especially Sumrall, who led Tulane to the College Football Playoff in 2025. Now, they are looking to rebuild at blue-blood programs with little patience to give a coach time to catch their stride. Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown could be one of the top signal-callers in the league this season, but Sumrall’s hard-nosed and gritty defensive philosophy will look to prevent any explosives from Golesh’s high-paced offense. Two new SEC head coaches will face off, but only one can grasp their first conference win.8. Alabama vs. GeorgiaWhen? Saturday, Oct. 10, at TBA Where? Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tale of the tape: Over the last decade, these two haven’t been able to escape from each other. Whether it’s during the regular season, in Atlanta or both, Georgia and Alabama always find a way to leave jaws dropped. The Crimson Tide have a quarterback battle occurring in Tuscaloosa, but whoever earns the starting job must be ready for the storm coming to Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 10. Alabama defeated Georgia during the regular season last year before dropping the SEC Championship rematch in 2025. Could Alabama continue to be the thorn in Georgia’s side in the regular season?7. Texas vs. Ole MissWhen? Saturday, Oct. 24, at TBAWhere? Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium – Austin, TexasTale of the tape: Ole Miss is synonymou