The 2023 SEC College Football Schedule
The SEC released its 2023 schedule without specific dates and broadcast details, though with Oklahoma and Texas joining as new teams in addition to division-less conference play-off games that should make for plenty of entertaining college football matches between traditional college powerhouses.
Tennessee fans will be eager to see how Tennessee handles Alabama after last year’s exciting contest.
Tennessee-Alabama
Which SEC Team Will Win the College Football Playoffs?
After much debate and consideration, the SEC decided against changing to nine games for 2024 instead of keeping its existing eight game schedule. This decision gives them time to work out an ideal solution when divisions are eliminated next year.
Tennessee needs a victory here as Alabama has won each of their previous five meetings against them. Hugh Freeze’s first test as head coach at Ole Miss will also provide an indicator that Ole Miss has made progress under his guidance.
Nick Saban’s dynasty could come under scrutiny again with a loss here; therefore it should not be forgotten even as the SEC shifts toward new scheduling formats in 2018.
Ohio State-Penn State
Ohio State fans, this could be one of the most anticipated games of 2023 season. At home to kick off Big Ten play, Ohio State will face rival Penn State for an exciting meeting between two perennial national contenders that has met less frequently over time.
Penn State head coach James Franklin has expressed frustration over being forced to open Big Ten play away each year, so this matchup provides him with the perfect opportunity to put his handle on this situation and show if his approach works.
It will also serve as an early-season test for Ohio State against a team that struggled last year and will likely have questions at quarterback, providing an ideal opportunity for them to establish national credentials.
Wisconsin-TCU
BYU and Cincinnati will join the Big 12 starting in 2023 as its newest members. Furthermore, it has scheduled a rematch of their 2022 championship game between Kansas State and BYU for September 2, 2023.
Greg Sankey of the SEC recently announced the league will adhere to its eight-game schedule for at least the near future. If Oklahoma and Texas join in 2024, an interim solution might include adding one game as soon as that season but making any permanent decisions after 2024 has concluded.
ESPN platforms will feature an exciting roster of marquee rivalries, nonconference showcases and conference championship games in 2023. The regular season kicks off with national runner-up TCU hosting Colorado in Week 1, while new Buffs coach Deion Sanders makes his Power 5 coaching debut in Fort Worth.
Kansas State-Texas
Kansas State will begin their season at home against nonconference Southeast Missouri State on September 2, followed by Troy and Missouri – both conference newcomers – before facing Oklahoma State in a high stakes, often drama-filled game on October 6.
As both Texas and Oklahoma are scheduled to move from the Big 12 into the SEC after 2023, this rivalry game may play into their negotiations for leaving. Either way, it promises to be an entertaining matchup featuring high-profile players that will air live on ESPN+ for all 14 SEC schools – making this fall’s ESPN+ schedule unparalleled in terms of variety.
Oregon-USC
The Oregon Ducks-USC Trojans football game of 2023 will take place at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR and tickets should cost approximately $100 for this event.
The Pac-12 will use its divisionless scheduling model in 2023, making for many intriguing matchups across its 16 teams. Heisman winner Caleb Williams kicks off the season against San Jose State (5:00 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Network).
Other notable games this weekend include a rematch between California and Auburn at Levi’s Stadium in Berkeley (7:45 p.m. PT on ESPN), as well as WASHINGTON STATE welcoming Wisconsin to Pullman (4:30 p.m. PT on ABC). Washington STATE is coming off an impressive year under Brian Kelly; now, their Sun Devils face an even stiffer test as Notre Dame approaches in just weeks’ time.
Washington-USC
Conference realignment may have broken up some great rivalries, but this one has returned. USC hosts Washington for the first time since 2015 in this matchup.
The Trojans begin the 2023 campaign at home against San Jose State from the Mountain West on August 26 at the Coliseum for Week Zero of Pac-12 play, followed by visits to Stanford (under new coach Troy Taylor) and Colorado (where Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders will coach).
USC faces two road games against Utah and Notre Dame before hosting Oregon on November 4 – an early reminder that Heisman Trophy winner Michael Penix lost his final regular-season matchup.
Notre Dame-USC
The 2023 college football schedule provides many compelling matchups that promise great drama. Many match ranked teams against one another while some feature heated rivalries. It promises to spark extensive discussion over how conference races will play out next season.
Notre Dame and USC face-off in Week 3 promises to be one of the premier matchups on the schedule and provide fans with a glimpse into two top teams. Lincoln Riley hopes his Trojans can build upon an already promising first year and the Ducks hope for national prominence once more.
This will mark their first meeting since the Orange Bowl last December and holds immense importance for both teams.
