One of the greatest advantages of being in the SEC is the financial benefits, closely followed by the prominent reputation that comes with competing in this prestigious Bowl Subdivision conference.

However, the downside of being part of the SEC is facing a demanding SEC schedule, which has recently transformed from challenging to incredibly tough with the inclusion of Texas and Oklahoma. There are very few weekends that offer an easy match-up, unless you happen to be facing Vanderbilt.

This is why several SEC teams feature prominently on this year’s list of the toughest schedules, with Florida poised to take on the hardest stretch of all in the FBS — presenting a significant challenge for coach Billy Napier as he aims to lead the Gators to improved performance in his third year.

With a challenging mix of SEC opponents and strong Big Ten competition, here are the most grueling schedules for this season:

Florida

Challenging matches: at Tennessee (Oct. 12), vs. Georgia (Nov. 2), at Texas (Nov. 9)

2023 records of opponents: 106-50

This schedule stands out as one of the toughest in recent FBS history. The Gators are set to face Miami, Central Florida, and Florida State in their non-conference match-ups, starting their season at home against Miami and wrapping it up in Tallahassee. Their last six games are against formidable teams including the Volunteers, Kentucky, Bulldogs, Longhorns, LSU, Mississippi, and Seminoles. It’s a daunting path ahead.

Southern California

Challenging matches: vs. LSU (Sept. 1), at Michigan (Sept. 21), vs. Notre Dame (Nov. 30)

2023 records of opponents: 106-53

USC faces tough non-conference games against LSU and Notre Dame along with a challenging debut in the Big Ten. They will travel to play against reigning national champions like Minnesota, Maryland, Washington, and UCLA, while hosting Wisconsin, Penn State, Rutgers and Nebraska. It’s quite likely that each of their opponents from the Power Four will qualify for bowl games this season.

Michigan

Challenging matches: vs. Texas (Sept. 7), vs. Oregon (Nov. 2), at Ohio State (Nov. 30)

2023 records of opponents: 98-59

The Wolverines’ schedule is significantly tougher than last year’s, featuring some friendly matches like those against Minnesota, Washington, Illinois, and Michigan State from late September to October, as well as games against Indiana and Northwestern in November. However, those games are bracketed by tough bouts against the Ducks and Buckeyes, both contenders for the national title. Plus, they have a big game against the Longhorns, followed by another challenge with the Trojans. Luckily, Michigan won’t face Penn State this season.

UCLA

Challenging matches: at LSU (Sept. 21), vs. Oregon (Sept. 28), at Penn State (Oct. 5)

2023 records of opponents: 99-59

UCLA’s toughest stretch features these three opponents back-to-back, representing one of the most formidable three-game series in both the Big Ten and the Bowl Subdivision. The challenges don’t end there: later on, they will face off against Nebraska (away), Iowa, Washington (away), and USC without a break. This schedule makes it tough for the Bruins and their new coach DeShaun Foster to avoid the lower rankings in the Big Ten.

Georgia Tech

Challenging matches: vs. Florida State (Aug. 24), vs. Notre Dame (Oct. 19), at Georgia (Nov. 30)

2023 records of opponents: 103-54

The good news for the Yellow Jackets is that they avoid facing Clemson, a team they’ve lost to nine times in a row. However, they will have to navigate a challenging away schedule that includes Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Georgia, along with an opening game in Ireland against Florida State. Georgia Tech also faces the Fighting Irish and Miami at home.

Vanderbilt

Challenging matches: vs. Alabama (Oct. 5), vs. Texas (Oct. 26), at LSU (Nov. 23)

2023 records of opponents: 97-57

The Commodores could potentially have a winning record in non-conference play against Virginia Tech, Alcorn State, Georgia State, and Ball State (though they might also finish with one win). However, their hope of breaking a five-year postseason drought seems bleak with an SEC schedule that includes formidable teams like the Crimson Tide, Longhorns, Tigers, Tennessee, and Missouri.

Purdue

Challenging matches: vs. Notre Dame (Sept. 14), vs. Oregon (Oct. 18), at Ohio State (Nov. 9)

2023 records of opponents: 84-67

Purdue is scheduled to face the top three Powerhouses in the Big Ten: the Ducks, OSU, and Penn State, along with Nebraska and Wisconsin, which are likely to be at the top of the league’s second tier. Additionally, they have tough away games against Illinois, Michigan State, and their rivalry game against Indiana. Purdue will also contend with Notre Dame and Oregon State in September, with the latter being an away game.

Oklahoma

Challenging matches: vs. Texas

(Oct. 12), vs. Alabama (Nov. 23), at LSU (Nov. 30)

Opponents’ 2023 record: 96-58

Oklahoma’s concluding five matches include tough opponents like Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, and LSU, with all but the Crimson Tide game being away. Welcome to the SEC! This challenging phase also includes a neutral-site rivalry game with Texas, a road encounter at Auburn, and the Sooners’ first SEC game against Tennessee on September 21. Additionally, OU will face spirited non-conference rivals in Houston and Tulane.

Alabama

Toughest games: vs. Georgia (Sept. 28), at Tennessee (Oct. 19), at LSU (Nov. 9)

Opponents’ 2023 record: 97-58

First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer will face a predictably challenging schedule, highlighted by a strenuous four-game sequence at LSU, followed by a home game against Mercer, an away game at Oklahoma, and finally the Iron Bowl at home to wrap up the regular season. Additionally, there is a non-conference trek to Wisconsin, which will serve as the first significant challenge in DeBoer’s tenure. One interesting aspect to note is that Alabama is set to face many leading teams in the FBS but has a bye week before their big games against the Bulldogs and Tigers. The Crimson Tide also competes against Vanderbilt and South Carolina prior to their matchup with the Volunteers.