SEC could target UNC for expansion per report
The college athletics world was turned on its head Thursday when UCLA and USC both made the move to join the Big Ten for the 2024 season, being accepted hours after the initial reports. With the way things are going with realignment, there will be more changes on the horizon and now both teams and conferences don’t want to be left out.
But what about the Atlantic Coast Conference? After agreeing to an alliance last year with the Pac-12 and Big Ten, things have changed drastically and now the conference could be on the outside looking in.
So now what? According to Brett McMurphy of Action Network, the SEC could have its eyes on a few different programs moving forward and UNC is among them:
With the Big Ten’s impending monster media rights deal, don’t expect the SEC to stand pat.
“Even by adding Oklahoma and Texas, the SEC is not going to sit back and watch the Big Ten and let things happen,” a source said.
The SEC would likely target current ACC schools, such as Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina or Virginia, sources said. However, those schools would have to find a way out of the ACC’s Grant of Rights, which doesn’t expire until 2036.
There is the hurdle of getting out of the ACC’s Grant of Rights that needs to be pointed out. But with how things are going, it’s believed that more realignment is coming and things will be moving fast.
The other option is that the ACC could expand as well, taking on programs from the Pac-12 or even the Big 12. The options are slim however as most of the big programs in those conferences are already planning on moving.
One thing is for certain, the realignment isn’t close to being over.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
