How Many Football Teams in the SEC? 2025 Update

By Sarah Miller · September 6, 2053

As of the 2025 season, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) consists of 16 football teams, following the addition of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. This expansion marks a significant shift in college football's landscape, increasing the SEC's footprint and competitive strength.

Overview of the SEC Football Conference

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is one of the premier collegiate athletic conferences in the United States, particularly renowned for its dominance in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). With the 2024 expansion, the SEC now includes 16 member institutions, all competing in football at the highest level of college athletics.

Key Facts About SEC Football

The SEC was founded in 1932 and began sponsoring football competition in 1933.
It is consistently ranked among the strongest conferences in terms of national championships, NFL draft picks, and average attendance.
The conference is divided into two divisions: East and West, though this format will end after the 2023 season with the new 16-team single-table model.
Starting in 2024, the top two teams in the standings will compete in the SEC Championship Game, regardless of divisional alignment.
The SEC has won 17 national titles in football since 2000, more than any other conference.

Current SEC Football Teams (2025 Season)

With the inclusion of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas, the SEC now spans 10 U.S. states, making it the largest Power Five conference by membership. Below is the complete list of current SEC football programs.

University	Location	Joined SEC	Stadium	Capacity	Head Coach (2025)
University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL	1933	Bryant-Denny Stadium	100,077	Nick Saban (interim)
University of Arkansas	Fayetteville, AR	1992	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium	76,000	Sam Pittman
Auburn University	Auburn, AL	1933	Jordan-Hare Stadium	87,451	Hugh Freeze
University of Florida	Gainesville, FL	1933	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium	88,548	Billy Napier
University of Georgia	Athens, GA	1933	Sanford Stadium	92,746	Kirby Smart
University of Kentucky	Lexington, KY	1933	Kroger Field	61,000	Mark Stoops
Louisiana State University (LSU)	Baton Rouge, LA	1933	Tiger Stadium	102,321	Brian Kelly
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)	Oxford, MS	1933	Vaught-Hemingway Stadium	64,038	Lane Kiffin
Mississippi State University	Starkville, MS	1933	Davis Wade Stadium	61,337	Jeff Lebby
University of Missouri	Columbia, MO	2012	Memorial Stadium	62,621	Eliah Drinkwitz
University of Oklahoma	Norman, OK	2024	Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium	80,126	Brent Venables
University of South Carolina	Columbia, SC	1992	Williams-Brice Stadium	77,559	Shane Beamer
University of Tennessee	Knoxville, TN	1933	Neyland Stadium	101,915	Josh Heupel
Texas A&M University	College Station, TX	2012	Kyle Field	102,733	Mike Elko
University of Texas at Austin	Austin, TX	2024	Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium	100,119	Steve Sarkisian
Vanderbilt University	Nashville, TN	1933	FirstBank Stadium	40,000	Clark Lea

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table illustrates the geographic and historical diversity within the expanded SEC. The addition of Texas and Oklahoma significantly increases the conference’s western presence and brings two storied football programs into the fold. Average stadium capacity exceeds 80,000, underscoring the SEC's massive fan base and financial power. The conference now features six stadiums with capacities over 100,000, highlighting its status as a leader in college football attendance and revenue.

Impact of SEC Expansion on College Football

The 2024 expansion to 16 teams fundamentally changes the dynamics of college football. The SEC becomes the first Power Five conference to stretch across more than eight states, enhancing its national broadcast appeal and media rights value.

Key Implications of the Expansion

Increased Revenue: The SEC’s media deal with ESPN, reportedly worth $3 billion over 10 years, benefits all member schools with larger payouts.
Scheduling Complexity: With no divisions starting in 2024, each team plays eight conference games, including home-and-home series with permanent rivals and rotating matchups.
National Championship Access: The expanded playoff format (12 teams starting in 2024) improves the chances for multiple SEC teams to qualify annually.
Travel Demands: Teams from the eastern part of the conference now face longer travel distances, especially when playing in Texas or Oklahoma.
Recruiting Influence: The SEC now dominates key recruiting regions in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, giving it an edge in talent acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEC Football Teams

How many football teams are in the SEC in 2025?

There are 16 football teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the 2025 season, including the newly added University of Texas and University of Oklahoma.

Why did the SEC expand to 16 teams?

The SEC expanded to 16 teams in 2024 to increase its national footprint, boost media revenue, and strengthen its competitive and recruiting advantages by adding high-profile programs like Texas and Oklahoma.

Which schools joined the SEC in 2024?

The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma officially joined the SEC on July 1, 2024, transitioning from the Big 12 Conference.

Are there divisions in SEC football in 2025?

No, the SEC eliminated the East and West divisions after the 2023 season. Starting in 2024, the top two teams in the overall conference standings advance to the SEC Championship Game.

What is the largest stadium in the SEC?

Kyle Field at Texas A&M University is the largest stadium in the SEC, with a seating capacity of 102,733. It is also one of the largest stadiums in the entire NCAA.