📡 Could UNC And Clemson Be The Next Big Names To Trade Conferences - Tide 100.9

[SEC Sports]

Could UNC And Clemson Be The Next Big Names To Trade Conferences

With the SEC's expansion to 16 teams, including Texas and Oklahoma, North Carolina and Clemson are weighing their options for a possible shift from the ACC.

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The Southeastern Conference has significantly expanded over the years, reshaping the landscape of college athletics. Initially composed of 10 teams, the SEC grew to 12 in 1992 with the addition of Arkansas and South Carolina. In 2012, Texas A&M and Missouri joined from the Big 12, increasing the conference to 14 teams and broadening its market reach.

The most recent expansion occurred on July 1, 2024, when the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners officially became members, bringing the SEC to 16 member schools.

Although SEC officials have stated they were satisfied with a 16-team format, speculation persists about further expansion. Several prominent programs from other conferences have expressed interest in joining the SEC, drawn by its competitive reputation and profitable media agreements.

Adding to the mix, Adam Smith of inside Carolina recently reported that North Carolina is among a group of schools actively considering a departure from the Atlantic Coast Conference in the next round of realignment.

The report indicates that UNC and Clemson are at the forefront of this effort, with the SEC being UNC's preferred destination. While the ACC's exit fee currently stands at $147 million for schools departing by June 30, 2027- the earliest possible date- this amount decreases by $18 million each year until it reaches $75 million in the 2030-31 academic year.

Despite the substantial fee, a departure could occur sooner, particularly following a recent settlement between the ACC and key member schools like Clemson and Florida State. It's reported that UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts played a crucial role in finalizing that agreement, potentially clearing a legal and logistical path for future exits.

UNC is a founding member of the ACC dating back to its establishment in 1953. Should the Tar Heels leave, it would be interesting to see how this would shape scheduling, and a possible switch to the SEC would represent a monumental shift in the college sports landscape. The move would not only reunite the Tar Heels with several historical rivals but also place them in the most dominant conference in college football.

 

[OldPlayer]

UNC leaving the ACC would destroy the ACC’s basketball reputation. I don’t think jumping to the SEC helps UNC basketball.

 

[bama alum]

UNC leaving the ACC would destroy the ACC’s basketball reputation. I don’t think jumping to the SEC helps UNC basketball.

Over the last few years, UNC might be seeing that it will help. Duke, obviously, ...NC St., maybe Clemson, maybe Wake... Virginia is down, down, and going out. Meanwhile, look at last year's final four, the last couple of years' both sweet 16 and elite 8.

Dabo would have to drastically change his portal philosophy if Clemson came over.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

If I'm UNC, I'd be very proactive in getting out. Lucky for them, they can do that since the SEC and B1G would actually take them, unlike others. Get while the getting is good and don't wait until you're fighting for life boats down the road. If they can drag Clemson with them, then Clemson should absolutely go, because that's probably the only way they can get a ticket in.

 

[rick4bama]

I can't see either of those two coming over. Maybe both with go to the Pac whatever the numbers are? What Dabo said after the ACCCG just turn me off.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

I can't see either of those two coming over. Maybe both with go to the Pac whatever the numbers are? What Dabo said after the ACCCG just turn me off.

Not sure what Dabo said... Big12 wants Clemson though. When, not if, but when dominos start to fall, UNC will be in a good spot as long as they don't do something stupid.

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[OldPlayer]

It’s not up to Dabo or Bill.

 

[tide92]

Not that Bill would have a say anyway, but I don't think he'll be around long anyway. He'll either go back to the NFL or retire within 2 seasons.

 

[We All Bleed Crimson]

I really don't want the big 10 to have a recruiting foothold in the deep south. If Clemson or FSU go, that will open a big can of worms in 'cruiting. If you think it's bad now, just wait if that happens.

 

[OldPlayer]

Not that Bill would have a say anyway, but I don't think he'll be around long anyway. He'll either go back to the NFL or retire within 2 seasons.

I don’t know why he’s still coaching. He has enough money. He’s older than Saban. I don’t think his personality would do well as a commentator or pregame analyst. His tenure at UNC is 2-3 years at most.