9 out of 10 are SEC schools
College Football's 10 Hardest Schedules In 2024, Per ESPN's Computer Model
According to ESPN's Football Power Index, nine SEC schools are among the 10 toughest schedules in 2024. No team has a more challenging slate than the Florida Gators.
Here's a look at ESPN's strength of schedule:
- Florida
- Mississippi State
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Auburn
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Georgia Tech
- Texas
Meanwhile, Mississippi State plays Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ole Miss on the road after winning just one SEC matchup in 2023.
Georgia's path back to a national title won't be easy. Kirby Smart's squad starts the season against Clemson on Aug. 31 and closes September at Alabama.
The Bulldogs travel to Austin the next month to welcome the Longhorns into the SEC. The Rebels will also look to take down the conference juggernaut at Oxford in November.
According to FPI, Georgia Tech has the toughest slate of any school outside the SEC. The ACC program starts the season against Florida State, hosts Notre Dame in October, and ends at Georgia.