Non-conference games are often times scheduled years in advance, which is something a lot of college football fans do not realize. In the moment with games on the horizon, we wonder why certain teams scheduled each other, when in all actuality these games could have been scheduled way before fans become aware.
One example of this is the recent home-and-home series between the Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide in 2022 and 2023. This series was actually scheduled in May, 2018 according to www.rolltide.com. Another example is the 2022 and 2023 series between LSU and Florida State which most remember as being two great games to open up each respective season. This series was scheduled back in 2020.
At the time these games are scheduled, programs are each at a certain point of success or struggle, which is often times flipped on its head by the time the game arrives. Regardless, it is exciting as a college football fan to be able to look ahead to identify which games are on the horizon in years upcoming.
Here are the six most intriguing non-conference games involving SEC teams for 2025 and beyond
Ohio State vs. Texas (2025 & 2026)
Given where each team is as a program right now, this one should line up much like Michigan vs. Texas this season as a strong series. This could be Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning’s first big time start, and could see him going up against Ohio State’s Julian Sayin.
Ryan Day has an 87% winning percentage as head coach at Ohio State, while Steven Sarkisian has Texas on the rise and would be going into his fifth season as head coach in Austin.
Florida State vs. Georgia (2027 & 2028)
Given the recent Orange Bowl in 2023, this game could have a lot of hype surrounding it still with the amount of Florida State players that sat out and the highly debated 63-3 drumming they received by the Georgia Bulldogs after being left out of the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame vs. Alabama (2029 & 2030)
The last time these two teams played, Brian Kelly was the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Nick Saban was the head coach of the Crimson Tide. Regardless of who the coaches are, each will be different this time around.
Even if both teams are not on top of the college football landscape by the time this series arrives, the tradition from each school will be a sight to see.
Oklahoma vs. Nebraska (2029 & 2030)
By some, this is actually considered the best rivalry in the history of college football or not. Back in the days of the Big 8 and Big 12, the Sooner and Cornhuskers use to square off annually in some heated contests. In 1971, the two played what is known still today by many as “The Game of the Century.”
Georgia vs. Ohio State (2030 & 2031)
These two seem to be towards or at the top of the college football world over the past decade. The last time the two squared off was in the Peach Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff semifinals with the Bulldogs winning 42-41 in a thriller.
The most memorable moment from this game was when Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard laid the lumber on Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. preventing a touchdown which turned the game around for the Bulldogs.
Missouri vs. Kansas (2031 & 2032)
If you want to see two teams that hate each other regardless of the relevance of each program in a game several years out, tune in and you will not be disappointed. The Tigers and Jayhawks use to meet annually as members of the Big 12 before Missouri’s exit to the SEC. This will be the first time the two will have squared off in nearly 20 years. This rivalry is known as the “Border War.”