How Many Teams Are in SEC Football? 2025 Update

By Sarah Miller · June 25, 2039

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) currently has 16 teams competing in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as of the 2024 season, following the addition of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas.

Overview of SEC Football Expansion

The SEC has undergone significant expansion in recent years, marking a new era in college football. What was once a 14-team conference has grown to accommodate two powerhouse programs from the Big 12, increasing competition and national reach.

Key Reasons for SEC Expansion

Enhanced national television market appeal
Increased revenue from media rights deals
Geographic and competitive balance considerations
Strengthening brand presence across major U.S. markets

Current SEC Football Teams (2025 Season)

With the full integration of Oklahoma and Texas, the SEC now features 16 member institutions split across the Eastern and Western Divisions—though divisional structure may evolve with the conference's move to a championship game format based on overall standings.

Team	Location	Joined SEC	Division	Head Coach (2025)	Stadium Capacity
Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL	1933	West	Nick Saban (Interim)	100,077
Auburn	Auburn, AL	1933	West	Hugh Freeze	87,451
Florida	Gainesville, FL	1933	East	Billy Napier	88,548
Georgia	Athens, GA	1933	East	Kirby Smart	92,746
Kentucky	Lexington, KY	1933	East	Mark Stoops	61,000
LSU	Baton Rouge, LA	1933	West	Brian Kelly	102,321
Ole Miss	Oxford, MS	1933	West	Lane Kiffin	64,038
Mississippi State	Starkville, MS	1933	West	Jeff Lebby	61,337
Missouri	Columbia, MO	2012	East	Eliah Drinkwitz	62,621
South Carolina	Columbia, SC	1992	East	Shane Beamer	77,559
Tennessee	Knoxville, TN	1933	East	Josh Heupel	101,915
Texas	Austin, TX	2024	West	Steve Sarkisian	100,119
Texas A&M	College Station, TX	2012	West	Mike Elko	102,733
Vanderbilt	Nashville, TN	1933	East	Clark Lea	40,350
Oklahoma	Norman, OK	2024	West	Brent Venables	80,126
Arkansas	Fayetteville, AR	1992	West	Sam Pittman	76,000

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The inclusion of Texas and Oklahoma significantly boosts the SEC’s average stadium capacity and national recruiting footprint. The conference now includes six stadiums with capacities over 100,000, reinforcing its reputation for elite fan engagement and game-day atmosphere. This expansion also intensifies rivalries and reshapes scheduling dynamics across the FBS landscape.

Historical Growth of the SEC Football Conference

Founded in 1932, the SEC began with 13 charter members, though several joined shortly after. Over time, the conference expanded strategically to maintain competitiveness and financial strength.

Milestones in SEC Expansion

1992: Addition of Arkansas and South Carolina, bringing membership to 12.
2012: Missouri and Texas A&M join, expanding to 14 teams.
2024: Oklahoma and Texas officially become members, growing the conference to 16 teams.

Impact of 16-Team Format on College Football

The shift to 16 teams alters traditional structures such as divisional play and championship qualification. Starting in 2024, the SEC Championship Game will feature the top two teams in the final conference standings, regardless of division.

Key Changes Due to Expansion

Elimination of permanent rivals due to scheduling complexity
Rotating matchups replacing fixed annual games
Increased emphasis on CFP rankings for postseason qualification
Higher media rights value—new deal worth over $3 billion annually

Frequently Asked Questions About SEC Football Teams

How many teams are in SEC football in 2025?

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

Which schools recently joined the SEC?

The University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas officially joined the SEC in July 2024, transitioning from the Big 12 Conference.

Does the SEC still have divisions in football?

No, the SEC eliminated its East and West divisions starting in 2024. The championship game now features the top two teams in the overall conference standings.

What is the largest stadium in the SEC?

Michigan Stadium is not in the SEC; within the conference, Tiger Stadium (LSU) holds the title with a capacity of 102,321, closely followed by Texas A&M’s Kyle Field at 102,733.

Why did Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC?

Both schools joined for greater media revenue, stronger national exposure, and enhanced athletic competitiveness within one of the most powerful conferences in college sports.