Florida State and Clemson want to be out of the ACC, and their top preference is to play in the SEC or the Big 10. However, due to the lack of AAU status, the Big 10 seems uninterested. There were rumors that the SEC was not interested in the two schools, considering that they are already in the SEC footprint, but on Monday, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey put a nail in the coffin.
Greg Sankey Opens Up SEC Media Days, Shutting Down the Debate
SEC Media Days is the Super Bowl for SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. It is the only time he stands in front of all 16 teams and their media members and addresses the conference. Sankey’s use of any of his time talking about expansion shows that the topic is important and trending around the country.
“Our presidents have been clear that I am not going to entangle us in litigation around expansion. So I pay attention, but I’m not engaged in those conversations. The broader implications, obviously if things change, then there’s a new level of uncertainty. It already creates speculation that I think is counterproductive, but I don’t spend an enormous amount of my time thinking about it. I certainly don’t spend any time engaged in that recruiting activity because we’re focused on our 16… 16 is our today, and 16 is our tommorow….We can stay at 16 for a long, long time and be incredibly successful.”
When compared to Bret Yormark’s comments last week that “We are open for business,” the contrast couldn’t be further.
Will the SEC Expand Again?
The SEC certainly could expand and grab just about any team they want outside of the Big 10. Still, their history suggests that if they aren’t interested in Clemson and Florida State, they probably aren’t interested in anyone (unless Notre Dame decides to join…which they won’t).
If the SEC were to expand, it likely would come under a new commissioner. The SEC, under Sankey and others, has been definitive in not wanting to leave the SEC footprint. Teams like Arizona, Utah, North Carolina, and others who could be good expansion candidates are probably out of the question for now.
The one interesting market and team that makes sense is Miami. While Florida is already in the state, Miami is a unique recruiting ground that could potentially boost the conference.
What’s Next For Clemson and Florida State?
There are already rumors that the two schools are in third-party discussions with the Big 12, and if they do leave the ACC, it appears it will be for the Big 12. There is also the option to remain in the ACC, but some have to wonder how well, or how long, that relationship can last.
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