SEC's Mega-Expansion Priority List

[YaketySax]

Below would be my list of schools to strategically target. Before you agree/disagree with my list my thought process:

a) downplay the importance of TV markets long-term given fewer people using cable instead of bundled streaming services.
b) give bonus points to strong academics and research dollars.
c) prioritize geographic proximity to enable regional rivalries/passions in the hopes of making the sport a little more about community/culture and a little less about TV's interests.
d) give bonus points for strong mens/womens basketball and baseball teams since those tend to be the next highest revenue sports at most schools.

My top picks for next round of SEC expansion...if any of them say no then move on to next on the list.

Adding four teams...aka "Pappy 20 year":
Notre Dame, Oklahoma St, FSU, and UNC.

Adding six teams...aka "George T. Stagg 2012":
hose four plus Clemson and Duke

Adding eight teams...aka "William Larue Weller 2013":
those six plus Kansas and Baylor

Adding ten teams...aka "Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon":
those eight plus Virginia and Miami

Adding 12 teams...aka "Eagle Rare 17":
those ten plus WVU and Virginia Tech

Adding 14 teams...aka "Colonel Taylor Cured Oak":
those 12 plus UofL and Texas Tech

Adding 20 teams...aka "Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea 2018":
those 14 plus Pitt, TCU, Iowa St, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, NC State

If the money is as big as some think then adding even more schools is conceivable (Boston College, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, etc)

 

[mrschwump]

I said elsewhere the SEC should add Ohio St, Michigan, Michigan St, Clemson and call it a day.

 

[CatEye2010]

I said elsewhere the SEC should add Ohio St, Michigan, Michigan St, Clemson and call it a day.

Nah, Big Ten will do its thing especially after snagging USC and UCLA. Will end up North vs South. This time I think South wins.

 

[billue]

i would go with Clemson, UNC, Miami, and either Virginia or Virginia tach. no way i take Notre Dame

 

[southindycat]

I said elsewhere the SEC should add Ohio St, Michigan, Michigan St, Clemson and call it a day.

No way on the B10 adds. SEC needs a high fence on the south bank of the Ohio River. I have no interest in being flanked by the cream of the B10. If we can get to Atlanta even once, the Midwest will become our oyster. Not so if we are not on the perimeter of the conference footprint.

I'd add Clemson in a heartbeat, however. It will dilute things for SC, UT, UGA, and Clemson. Let's add UNC and NCSt while we're at it.

 

[vhcat70]

^ Issue with C is that it doesn't add many TV eyes with SC already here in a smaller state. IT's why WV never had a chance with a bigger conference & probably were lucky to make B12. NC/VA/FL would add way more eyes.

 

[SECCountry75]

^ Issue with C is that it doesn't add many TV eyes

That is one good reason it probably won't happen.

Another reason is that SC would veto, for the same reason that UK would surely veto UL if they made application to the SEC. In a smaller state like South Carolina or Kentucky, the current SEC member would fight to keep another instate school out of the conference. In a much larger state like Florida or Texas, it would be much less of a problem for the current member school.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

No way on the B10 adds. SEC needs a high fence on the south bank of the Ohio River. I have no interest in being flanked by the cream of the B10. If we can get to Atlanta even once, the Midwest will become our oyster. Not so if we are not on the perimeter of the conference footprint.

I'd add Clemson in a heartbeat, however. It will dilute things for SC, UT, UGA, and Clemson. Let's add UNC and NCSt while we're at it.

Clemson already recruits Georgia and Florida as hard as anyone does, them being in the SEC wouldn't matter.

 

[megablue]

When it's all said and done, College Football may end up with a POWER TWO, with two (2) conferences with twenty (20) teams in each of them. I would not be surprised.

 

[Cotaay]

Clemson
FSU
North Carolina
Virginia Tech

In my dream world we would add those 4 teams at some point in the future and call it a day. Name recognition is just as important as adding to the tv footprint which is why Clemson and FSU seem like no brainers to me.

North Carolina lacks in football but is a big name in college sports and adds over 10 million people to the footprint, their football games also do pretty good ratings wise when compared to other ACC schools. They probably think they are too smart for the SEC and would prefer a Big 10 invite, in that scenario NC St would be the backup and I would be fine with that.

Virginia Tech would be my preference of the VA schools, they have a good brand in football and would add 8.5 million to the footprint, plus UVA is probably another school that thinks they are too smart for the SEC and I cant imagine getting excited for a game vs them in any sport.

 

[YaketySax]

 

[southindycat]

Clemson already recruits Georgia and Florida as hard as anyone does, them being in the SEC wouldn't matter.

I'm inclined to agree that it might not have as much effect as I might hope, but I still think it's a wait and see, to the extent that they might enjoy some marginal improvement or alter some dynamics TBD.

 

[Bluesnky]

^ Issue with C is that it doesn't add many TV eyes with SC already here in a smaller state. IT's why WV never had a chance with a bigger conference & probably were lucky to make B12. NC/VA/FL would add way more eyes.

Last year notwithstanding, Clemson would draw way way more eyes than SC and could anchor a tier 1 game, which South Carolina could not have done since Jadaveon Clowney.

 

[Bluesnky]

Also, there is no veto. There was once allegedly an informal agreement among many teams not to add another team from a represented state, but that seems to have gone out the window when Texas joined. Everyone knows the name of the game now. Money.

 

[SECCountry75]

The SEC's first priority will be to complete the incorporation of Texas and Oklahoma, which is more complicated than it sounds. This is one of the biggest and most important moves the SEC has ever made. It will change many basic financial realities in our conference for the better.

After that, good strategic planning will require the SEC office to keep performing their due diligence.

Here are some basic ideas.

UNC has a lot of negative baggage with the NCAA, but also a certain amount of cache with basketball and baseball. UNC has three options: take the lead in building a stronger ACC, join the Big 10, or join the SEC. From the SEC's point of view, taking UNC would make South Carolina uncomfortable without bringing in another significant TV market. I think the odds are against adding UNC.

Duke also fails to bring another significant TV market. But Duke is attractive because it is a strong academic school with a top basketball program.

Clemson has strong football but no urban TV market. Understandably, SC and Georgia would try to veto Clemson and might succeed.

Georgia Tech voluntarily bailed on the SEC in 1964 and will never be welcomed back. Georgia has already brought the Atlanta TV market to the SEC, and the SEC already holds championship games in Atlanta.

Virginia Tech would bring in the Washington DC TV market and a list of strong but not elite athletic programs. Not a no brainer, but attractive.

Virginia would bring in another strong academic school, but Virginia Tech has better access to the Washington DC urban TV market than Virginia has. Virginia's athletics dept. is not the strongest on this list, but not a liability.

Notre Dame would make a big splash by bringing the Chicago TV market as well as a great football tradition, but I have not seen anything that makes me think the Irish would be interested in the SEC. If the ACC doubles down and finds a way to negotiate a stronger network TV contract, Notre Dame might finish what they started by joining the ACC fully. Otherwise they will most likely work something out with the Big 10 eventually.

Florida State would make UF uncomfortable, and fails to bring in an urban TV market. In the past, Florida State rebuffed overtures from the SEC, and may pay a price in terms of bad will now. Florida State has strong basketball and baseball, but is that enough to overcome everything else?

Miami has the huge advantage of the Miami/south Florida TV market. Also a strong academic school. The downside is that Miami also brings a lot of negative NCAA baggage. But the SEC will probably jump at adding the Miami urban TV market. Not quite a no brainer, but would be one of the more attractive options on this list because of geography and urban market.

UCF is now the 2nd largest university in the US and still growing. UCF's close affiliation with Disney has invigorated UCF in every way. It is not just about what the school is now. It is about what the school will be in the future. UCF is rocketing upward on every important scale, and the city of Orlando presents some of the best geography on this list. UCF's athletics dept. benefits from the school's bottomless resources and strong commitment. If you doubt UCF's legitimacy, consider that they just beat Florida in a bowl. It was a weakened Florida team, but the game was broadcast across the country and seen by millions. UCF would bring the attractive Orlando/central Florida TV market. No brainer.

Cincinnati brings an attractive urban TV market and a strong and growing athletics dept. But it is not a sure thing that UK would stand by and allow this to happen.

Kansas is not happening. Kansas is being investigated and is in trouble. Kansas would not bring an urban TV market. Missouri might oppose bringing in Kansas. And Kansas' football team is nowhere near ready for the SEC.

Oklahoma State's candidacy would depend on what Oklahoma wants. Oklahoma State has a strong athletics dept. but adds nothing in terms of TV market.

Texas Tech has strong athletic programs, but Lubbock is not a desirable TV market.

TCU would bring the highly desirable Dallas-Ft. Worth TV market. Attractive option, but the athletic programs need a flush.

Houston has everything. Strong athletics dept., strong TV market. No brainer if they are interested.

Baylor has strong athletic programs and strong academics. Baylor would also bring some access to the Dallas TV market. If they want in, another no brainer.

West Virginia would add nothing in terms of a TV market, not much in terms of athletics or academics, and might be opposed by Kentucky.

On paper, the best bets for eventual SEC membership are probably Baylor, Houston, UCF, and Miami. Unless they can stir up some interest from Notre Dame which would be a home run. I don't share others' enthusiasm for UNC, Clemson, and Florida State. They would not add much to the conference. In particular, I think Clemson football would get exposed in the SEC. Trevor Lawrence is not walking through that door.

 

[vhcat70]

UNC has a lot of negative baggage with the NCAA, but also a certain amount of cache with basketball and baseball. UNC has three options: take the lead in building a stronger ACC, join the Big 10, or join the SEC. From the SEC's point of view, taking UNC would make South Carolina uncomfortable without bringing in another significant TV market. I think the odds are against adding UNC.

Virginia Tech would bring in the Washington DC TV market and a list of strong but not elite athletic programs. Not a no brainer, but attractive.

Virginia would bring in another strong academic school, but Virginia Tech has better access to the Washington DC urban TV market than Virginia has. Virginia's athletics dept. is not the strongest on this list, but not a liability.

Notre Dame would make a big splash by bringing the Chicago TV market as well as a great football tradition, but I have not seen anything that makes me think the Irish would be interested in the SEC. If the ACC doubles down and finds a way to negotiate a stronger network TV contract, Notre Dame might finish what they started by joining the ACC fully. Otherwise they will most likely work something out with the Big 10 eventually.

Florida State would make UF uncomfortable, and fails to bring in an urban TV market. In the past, Florida State rebuffed overtures from the SEC, and may pay a price in terms of bad will now. Florida State has strong basketball and baseball, but is that enough to overcome everything else?

Miami has the huge advantage of the Miami/south Florida TV market. Also a strong academic school. The downside is that Miami also brings a lot of negative NCAA baggage. But the SEC will probably jump at adding the Miami urban TV market. Not quite a no brainer, but would be one of the more attractive options on this list because of geography and urban market.

UCF is now the 2nd largest university in the US and still growing. UCF's close affiliation with Disney has invigorated UCF in every way. The school is rocketing upward on every important scale, and the city of Orlando presents some of the best geography on this list. UCF's athletics dept. benefits from the school's bottomless resources and strong commitment. If you doubt UCF's legitimacy, consider that they just beat Florida in a bowl. It was a weakened Florida team, but the game was broadcast across the country and seen by millions. UCF would bring the attractive Orlando/central Florida TV market. No brainer.



Baylor has strong athletic programs and strong academics. Baylor would also bring some access to the Dallas TV market. If they want in, another no brainer.



On paper, the best bets for eventual SEC membership are probably Baylor, UCF, and Miami. Maybe Virginia Tech or Cincinnati for a fourth school unless they can stir up some interest from Notre Dame. I don't share others' enthusiasm for UNC, Clemson, and Florida State. In particular, I think Clemson would get exposed in the SEC.

Charlotte/Asheville/Research Triangle aren't collectively huge new TV markets? I strongly disagree. Also, I'd take NCSt. Puke on private school Duke.

I don't see why VT is a bigger get than VA. Elite athletic program today is less relevant than long-term attraction. I think VA is the bigger one. But I'd take both. Big & growing state.

Miami market is the big FL prize imo. I'm sure FL plays well in JAX/ORL/TSP already regardless of UCF's size.

TX & OK cover DFW already. Baylor is marginal.

UC brings little more than UK does in their area.

ND is the biggest fish out there.

 

[Greezy Kreek]

I prefer the small batch conference.

The only TV market I have to worry about is channel 6 & 10 , just this side of Flat Lick. But Terry Vaughn has had that market runnin long as I can remember.

Keeps UK on some sorted agenda to just keep following the money, but complicating things b/c of it. JMHO that will not change anything. West Virginia playing away games in Alaska is the result of this new bidniss model and it just seems unnatural.

 

[SECCountry75]

Charlotte/Asheville/Research Triangle aren't collectively huge new TV markets? I strongly disagree. Also, I'd take NCSt. Puke on private school Duke.

I don't see why VT is a bigger get than VA. Elite athletic program today is less relevant than long-term attraction. I think VA is the bigger one. But I'd take both. Big & growing state.

Miami market is the big FL prize imo. I'm sure FL plays well in JAX/ORL/TSP already regardless of UCF's size.

TX & OK cover DFW already. Baylor is marginal.

UC brings little more than UK does in their area.

ND is the biggest fish out there.

For reasons given, my conclusion was that Miami, UCF, Houston, Baylor, and Notre Dame would probably rise to the top of the SEC's list if they were interested. It is not just about what those schools offer today. It is about what they will offer 10-20 years from now.

UNC is not that big in the Charlotte TV market. Western Carolina is Wake Forest, Clemson, and UT country. The Research Triangle is not a large enough TV market to overcome other issues, including the attractiveness of applications from Miami, UCF, Houston, and Baylor if they are interested.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

^ Issue with C is that it doesn't add many TV eyes with SC already here in a smaller state. IT's why WV never had a chance with a bigger conference & probably were lucky to make B12. NC/VA/FL would add way more eyes.

True, however Clemson’s fanbase is just as large as SC’s here in Charleston. And they are a historically good program.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Charlotte/Asheville/Research Triangle aren't collectively huge new TV markets? I strongly disagree. Also, I'd take NCSt. Puke on private school Duke.

I don't see why VT is a bigger get than VA. Elite athletic program today is less relevant than long-term attraction. I think VA is the bigger one. But I'd take both. Big & growing state.

Miami market is the big FL prize imo. I'm sure FL plays well in JAX/ORL/TSP already regardless of UCF's size.

TX & OK cover DFW already. Baylor is marginal.

UC brings little more than UK does in their area.

ND is the biggest fish out there.

B1G will go after aau schools like UNC and UVA. They have always been academic snobs up there.

 

[JHB4UK]

SEC can't and won't sit back doing nothing while Big 10 pursues Notre Dame, on their way to 20 team super colossus. ACC team lawyers are going over their commitments looking for escape hatches. Once they do grab the most SEC-like football serous programs....Clemson, Fl St, NC St, VA Tech.

 

[YaketySax]

B12 out there trying to make this a three horse race

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

B12 out there trying to make this a three horse race

View embedded media

?

 

[YaketySax]

?

SEC, B10, and B12 mega conferences

 

[UKWildcats1987]

SEC, B10, and B12 mega conferences

Big 12 would be a mega suck. No one would consider them on sec and big 10s level. Not all 20 team super conferences are created equal.

 

[YaketySax]

Big 12 would be a mega suck. No one would consider them on sec and big 10s level. Not all 20 team super conferences are created equal.

Agree in terms of talent and potential trophies. Point was three conferences and PAC12 and ACC getting absorbed by the others.

 

[satcheluk]

Also, there is no veto. There was once allegedly an informal agreement among many teams not to add another team from a represented state, but that seems to have gone out the window when Texas joined. Everyone knows the name of the game now. Money.

TexAM AD was not part of that agreement. It was UK, USCe, UF and I believe UGA agreed to vote no against UK, Clemson, FSU and GaTech. Methinks this agreement will be nixed given the $$ involved.

 

[gojvc]

Big 12 would be a mega suck. No one would consider them on sec and big 10s level. Not all 20 team super conferences are created equal.

It wouldn’t be on the SEC level but it would at least be viable. What really is their other option?

 

[hmt5000]

Biggest issue with Clemson is that they haven't been top tier except for 4 of the 8 years. People forget we beat them in a bowl with one of their really good teams. If they joined the SEC they would be in the same boat as SCAR and they know it.

ND wouldn't join because they think too highly of themselves. They'll end up dying off in a few more years just because they refuse to accept who and where they are.

 

[Clear153]

I think all the focus on new TV markets is misplaced. ESPN, and thus the SEC, wants marquee matchup that appeal to the national football audience. Big name schools against big name schools!

Often these big name schools are not what they once were, but when matched against an Alabama or Texas, people watch. Especially casual fans who don’t realize that they slipped.

This is why Clemson, FSU and Miami will be high on the list. People will watch them play. It is probably why UNC is further up the list than their actual sports deserve.

 

[bumpstock]

The SEC & B1G will soon go to 20, or 24, and breakout, thereafter establishing the new 8, 12, or 16 team playoff with 4, 6, or 8 schools all coming from the new SEC & B1G. The winner becomes National Champion. Self-governed, no NCAA involvement.

All others will play for the Little Trophy, and do what the NCAA says.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Biggest issue with Clemson is that they haven't been top tier except for 4 of the 8 years. People forget we beat them in a bowl with one of their really good teams. If they joined the SEC they would be in the same boat as SCAR and they know it.

ND wouldn't join because they think too highly of themselves. They'll end up dying off in a few more years just because they refuse to accept who and where they are.

I do not agree that Clemson would be like SC in the SEC. Dabo is a great coach and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd call I am making as Alabama's AD when Saban retires eventually. Clemson would definitely have a harder time winning a national title playing a SEC schedule, but I think the margin for error in terms of losses in the regular season will be bigger once the playoff expands and perhaps there is a SEC Big 10 playoff and national title game outside of the current format/with all the leagues included.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

TexAM AD was not part of that agreement. It was UK, USCe, UF and I believe UGA agreed to vote no against UK, Clemson, FSU and GaTech. Methinks this agreement will be nixed given the $$ involved.

With super conferences it pretty much nixes any argument against getting the Clemsons, FSUs, Miamis of the world. Its about getting the best out of the dying conferences to keep up with the B1G. You realize if the SEC got Clemson, FSU, Miami that the SEC would have EIGHTEEN of the last TWENTY TWO football champions playing each other! The only other champions would be Ohio State twice, and USC twice.

 

[YaketySax]

 

[Kats meow]

For reasons given, my conclusion was that Miami, UCF, Houston, Baylor, and Notre Dame would probably rise to the top of the SEC's list if they were interested. It is not just about what those schools offer today. It is about what they will offer 10-20 years from now.

UNC is not that big in the Charlotte TV market. Western Carolina is Wake Forest, Clemson, and UT country. The Research Triangle is not a large enough TV market to overcome other issues, including the attractiveness of applications from Miami, UCF, Houston, and Baylor if they are interested.

Raleigh metro area about 2 million people. Charlotte is another 2.6 million. You are way out to lunch.

 

[drbubba]

Also, there is no veto. There was once allegedly an informal agreement among many teams not to add another team from a represented state, but that seems to have gone out the window when Texas joined. Everyone knows the name of the game now. Money.

It's out of control. I would now rather watch classic games with the old rivalries than games in this stupid mutiverse that's coming. BTW, inter league games and the DH are communist conspiracies.

 

[vhcat70]

UNC is not that big in the Charlotte TV market. Western Carolina is Wake Forest, Clemson, and UT country. The Research Triangle is not a large enough TV market to overcome other issues, including the attractiveness of applications from Miami, UCF, Houston, and Baylor if they are interested.

Charlotte isn't western NC. And,

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[bucsrule8872]

The SEC should stay at 16, IMHO.

Quality over quantity.

 

[hangin#8]

I think all the focus on new TV markets is misplaced. ESPN, and thus the SEC, wants marquee matchup that appeal to the national football audience. Big name schools against big name schools!

Often these big name schools are not what they once were, but when matched against an Alabama or Texas, people watch. Especially casual fans who don’t realize that they slipped.

This is why Clemson, FSU and Miami will be high on the list. People will watch them play. It is probably why UNC is further up the list than their actual sports deserve.

Exactly what I came here to say. It’s about creating “made for tv” matchups, not accumulating large markets. Houston v. Northwestern is a large tv market, but won’t touch the numbers that Clemson v. LSU would do.

 

[gojvc]

With super conferences it pretty much nixes any argument against getting the Clemsons, FSUs, Miamis of the world. Its about getting the best out of the dying conferences to keep up with the B1G. You realize if the SEC got Clemson, FSU, Miami that the SEC would have EIGHTEEN of the last TWENTY TWO football champions playing each other! The only other champions would be Ohio State twice, and USC twice.

What does keeping up with the B1G mean? Just being better at football or having an equivalent geographical footprint?