It’s official. Texas and Oklahoma have asked for, were granted, and accepted an invitation to the SEC. This membership goes into effect on July 1, 2025. However, is this just the beginning, and are we going to see an SEC Super Conference?
The First Rumblings
SEC has been in serious contact with Ohio State, Michigan, Clemson, and Florida State.
— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) July 23, 2021
Not clear if this will materialize, but they have their eyes on a true 20 team MEGA conference.
OU and Texas just the start. #ScoopCity
Jack McGuire tweeted out this beautiful #scoopcity, and there were many reactions, ranging from “this is wild” to “I love it,” all the way to “This is the idiot who produces Unnecessary Roughness on Barstool, I don’t buy it.” (That’s a direct quote from someone by the way.) While Ohio State and Michigan kind of ignore the “Southeastern” part of the SEC, this would be very interesting. Far fetched, but interesting.
Is It That Far Fetched?
Per a reliable source, Clemson+Florida State have reached out to the SEC about joining the conference.
— Marc Ryan (@MarcRyanOnAir) August 2, 2021
The SEC is concerned that streaming numbers for Clemson+Florida State don't bring what Oklahoma+Texas do.
Notre Dame is the only "free agent" left that would "add to the pot."
Well, would you look at that. Another source corroborating the “Clemson and FSU to the SEC Super Conference” rumor. While FSU is not a massive draw, those are the two programs in the ACC with the most recent success (sorry Miami). I am surprised Clemson doesn’t have the numbers to attract the SEC, considering they are a CFB powerhouse, and it’s an engineering school so alumni know how to use computers. My guess is FSU’s numbers are so bad it drives Clemson’s value down.
Notre Dame the Wild Card
Notre Dame is unlikely to join the SEC, but they need to join a conference to maintain relevance. Notre Dame hasn’t won a Natty since the Cold War, and with conference play becoming more and more important with each playoff iteration, it will happen sooner rather than later. Why not start with a bang and jump right into the SEC?
So, let’s say Clemson and FSU need Notre Dame to join, and this all happens. I think it’s unlikely the SEC wants to have an uneven number of teams, so who’s the most likely option to even things out?
UCF: The [Golden Knights] of the SEC
Look, UCF have been saying for years that they can hang with the SEC after beating a 10-3 Auburn team and hanging with a 9-3 LSU team. Let them prove it. Bring them to the SEC East.
