Paul Finebaum Reveals ‘Top’ SEC Expansion Candidate

There appear to be some rumblings of conference realignment again this offseason but unlike the past few years that have seen conferences eager to add more, the demand across the country isn't nearly as high.

Florida State and Clemson are looking for a way out of the ACC whose media rights deal extends through 2036, and they are also hoping to land in one of the premier conferences. While they have their sights set on the SEC and the Big Ten, it appears their interests are not reciprocated as it was reported by Action Network's Brett McMurphy on Tuesday that neither conference is interested in expanding at the moment.

To take it a step further, one Big Ten source told McMurphy their thoughts on the Seminoles joining saying "Why would anyone want to expedite more chaos by adding Florida State?" McMurphy was told by other sources that there isn't value in adding Florida State.

In terms of Clemson, while there weren't nearly as many negative sentiments about it, the Big Ten and SEC have both made it clear that expansion isn't a priority. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey made his thoughts as clear as ever on Monday, at the first of the SEC Media Days.

“Sixteen is our today, and 16 is our tomorrow,” Sankey said when asked about possible expansion.

However, because it is a no right now, doesn’t mean it can’t happen somewhere down the line. Something that ESPN’s college football insider, Paul Finebaum, touched on while making an appearance on “ McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning” on Monday .

“I mean I think that is one of the trickiest areas,” Finebaum said when discussing the matter. “Listen, Greg [Sankey] is very smart. He knows what’s out there. I’m sure he has got a fairly standard line there that goes back to what you heard from him three years ago. So I don’t think, even if asked, he is going to go very far or give very much away.”

A statement that as we saw earlier came to fruition, as Sankey refused to budge when pressed about expanding past 16 teams. Finebaum did provide who he thinks is the top target for the SEC if they actually wanted to make a move, and it was neither Florida State nor Clemson, but instead their conference foe; North Carolina.

“It’s North Carolina at the top,” Finebaum stated. “I think, after that, it’s a little bit unknown. There’s a million different theories. Would North Carolina take someone with them? Or would they just sit around?”

He did add that he doubts Florida State would be its running mate thanks to their antics, and Clemson may have made itself guilty by association.

“The one thing I feel pretty confident of, though, is that, if something happens in the next couple weeks, it won’t be Florida State going to the SEC. I mean it just seems like they have shot themselves in the foot on that,” explained Finebaum. “I don’t think Clemson is in as bad of shape but they are now lumped with Florida State.”

Whether or not the SEC will open its doors again remains a mystery but if it does decide to, the two programs who so badly want to be invited may be left standing by the mailbox waiting for an invitation that won't come.

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