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Conference realignment has been a hot topic over the last few offseasons as notable programs jump from league to league. Oklahoma and Texas shocked the world with their decision to join the SEC.
The Big Ten answered by adding USC and UCLA. That’s left the ACC, Big XII, and PAC 12 on the outside looking in, with many around the sport wondering if they’ll survive.
The Big XII seems to have positioned itself best despite the losses of the Sooners and Longhorns. They’ve added top Group of Five schools in BYU, Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati to counteract the departures, and future expansion within the league appears to be a top priority.
That leaves the ACC and PAC 12.
Many believe the fall of the PAC 12 is inevitable. The recent television deal issues, combined with the fact that they’ve lost the Los Angeles market, has many skeptical that it can survive.
Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon have all been mentioned as potential defectors, though at the moment, they’ve stayed put.
The ACC has seen a different set of problems, though they still revolve around revenue. Clemson and Florida State, the league’s top football brands, believed that they should be paid more handsomely than other members due to their carrying the conference.
The ACC caved to those demands as a way to keep everyone happy (for the time being).
While teams will now be paid based on performance, the fact that the ACC is locked into its deal with ESPN through 2036 could cause future issue.
With that in mind, college sports writer Jim Williams has been updating fans and followers on what he’s hearing in potential conference realignment.
Regarding the Big Ten, he suggests that the league has showed interest in 10 teams in expansion.
Now, he’s dropping a few tidbits on what he’s hearing in the SEC.
He notes interest in a pair of ACC programs in Clemson and FSU, which should come as no surprise. He also mentions a third school with SEC potential in UNC, who’s also on the Big Ten’s list.
Then, Williams talked about a program that the league apparently wants nothing to do with.
According to my contacts in the @SEC they would consider @FSU @ClemsonUniv & perhaps @UNC – but not @CanesFootball – TWO more Florida schools never happening. Miami, Virginia, GA Tech & Duke are schools better suited for the @bigten
— Jim Williams (@JWMediaDC) June 12, 2023
The Southeastern Conference has no interest in Miami, with Williams saying that “TWO more Florida schools is never happening.” The Florida Gators have been in the league since its inception.
Williams went a step further to say that the Hurricanes didn’t fit the mold of an SEC team, though they do have traits that the Big Ten is looking for in expansion.
Much like USC and UCLA, Miami would provide a school in a large city with a big fanbase and television market.
Jared – First of all it’s not my opinion its the people I talk with. I think that FSU fits the SEC membership vs Miami who I know is on the Big Ten wish list along with GA Tech. The B10 wants markets where they have big alumni bases which is why USC-UCLA are members. ATL – Miami…
— Jim Williams (@JWMediaDC) June 12, 2023
Fans have been quick comment.
This follower agreed with the line of thinking, saying, “I feel that FSU is more culturally fit into SEC and Miami better fits culturally in B1G anyway. Win/win for both.”
Another person wrote, “If this happens, the SEC and the Big 10 will create their own football league.”
Conference expansion talks will continue up until we have some games to play. The offseason speculation is certainly interesting, but we’ll see if any actually comes to fruition.