The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is set to launch its 2026 football season this weekend, with a series of thrilling matchups scheduled from Thursday through Sunday. This opening week is crucial for teams as they aim to establish momentum early in the season.
Missouri will kick off the conference action by hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a non-conference game. The Golden Lions come into this matchup after a strong start to their season, having defeated Morehouse 35-15. Despite the absence of key player Ahmad Hardy, Missouri's offensive lineup is expected to showcase its depth and talent against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
In another exciting development, the Oklahoma Sooners have moved their season opener against UTEP to Friday, allowing them an additional day of preparation before heading to the iconic Big House for a matchup next weekend. A total of 13 SEC teams will take the field on Saturday, culminating in a marquee showdown between No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 20 Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday evening.
Below are the predictions and viewing details for each SEC football matchup in Week 1:
No. 25 Missouri (0-0) vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-0)
Prediction: Missouri 63 | Arkansas-Pine Bluff 7
Where to watch: Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network
No. 10 Oklahoma (0-0) vs. UTEP (0-0)
Prediction: Oklahoma 52 | UTEP 6
Where to watch: Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network+
No. 13 Alabama (0-0) vs. East Carolina (0-0)
Prediction: Alabama 56 | East Carolina 10
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. CT on ABC
South Carolina (0-0) vs. Kent State (0-0)
Prediction: South Carolina 52 | Kent State 13
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11:45 a.m. CT on SEC Network
Kentucky (0-0) vs. Youngstown State (1-0)
Prediction: Kentucky 42 | Youngstown State 17
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 12 p.m. CT on SEC Network+
No. 3 Georgia (0-0) vs. Tennessee State (0-1)
Prediction: Georgia 56 | Tennessee State 6
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network+
No. 5 Texas (0-0) vs. Texas State (0-0)
Prediction: Texas 49 | Texas State 10
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN
No. 20 Tennessee (0-0) vs. Furman (1-0)
Prediction: Tennessee 59 | Furman 7
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network+
Auburn (0-0) vs. Baylor (0-0)
Prediction: Auburn 35 | Baylor 21
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC
Arkansas (0-0) vs. North Alabama (1-0)
Prediction: Arkansas 56 | North Alabama 13
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3:15 p.m. CT on SEC Network
No. 8 Texas A&M (0-0) vs. Missouri State (0-0)
Prediction: Texas A&M 52 | Missouri State 10
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN
Vanderbilt (0-0) vs. Austin Peay (1-0)
Prediction: Vanderbilt 45 | Austin Peay 13
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+
No. 11 LSU (0-0) vs. Clemson (0-0)
Prediction: LSU 31 | Clemson 21
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC
Mississippi State (0-0) vs. ULM (0-0)
Prediction: Mississippi State 52 | ULM 13
Where to watch: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU
No. 9 Ole Miss (0-0) vs. No. 24 Louisville (0-0)
Prediction: Ole Miss 34 | Louisville 24
Where to watch: Sunday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC
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