Why Chris Del Conte is giving the SEC ‘constant heat’ over Texas football scheduling

Chris Del Conte, the athletic director for the University of Texas, has been actively advocating for a nine-game conference schedule in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). During a recent town hall meeting, Del Conte emphasized his preference for this scheduling format, stating, “I prefer nine games… because we play Oklahoma at a neutral site. So one year, we get four games. One year, we get three. If we had a nine-game schedule, four and four, we’d play our rival at a neutral site.”

Del Conte’s persistent efforts to influence SEC scheduling decisions have been described as “applying constant heat” on the matter. He likened his approach to “Bengay or an atomic bomb,” underscoring his determination to secure a nine-game conference schedule for Texas and its SEC counterparts.

The SEC has previously considered transitioning to a nine-game conference schedule but opted to maintain the current eight-game format. However, discussions have resurfaced, with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey noting “a lot of interest” in revisiting the nine-game schedule.

Del Conte’s advocacy aligns with Texas’s commitment to scheduling high-profile non-conference games. He stated, “Our brand should play the greatest brands in college football because we are the best.” Upcoming matchups include games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame, reflecting Texas’s dedication to challenging competition.

In summary, Chris Del Conte’s persistent lobbying for a nine-game SEC schedule underscores his commitment to enhancing Texas football’s competitive landscape and aligning with broader scheduling trends in college football.