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Ranking the 14 Most Likely SEC Expansion Candidates

By Matthew Bartlett

Dec 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The SEC logo on the playing field at the Georgia Dome in preparation for the SEC Championship between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators Saturday. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The SEC logo on the playing field at the Georgia Dome in preparation for the SEC Championship between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators Saturday. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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SEC Expansion
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; A University of Texas Longhorns helmet sits on the bench during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Texas (Big 12)

Why SEC Expansion with Texas Makes Sense

Texas A&M and Texas need to play every year. The two squads haven’t met on the football field since the Aggies left for the SEC in 2012. Putting the Longhorns in the SEC West would force that annual game to be reinstated. At this point it’s looking like it might take something that drastic to get the rivalry game back.

Like Florida State, the Longhorns are a national brand. Adding Texas would give the SEC complete control of the state of Texas. Owning Texas would only intensify the stranglehold that the SEC has on recruiting in the South.

Likelihood of Happening

One percent. This one is a tough sell. The driving reason for the Aggies’ departure from the Big 12 was a desire to get away from Texas. The maroon and white have done well for themselves since breaking away from Big Brother, but the memories and challenges of dealing with Texas are still fresh in their minds. It’s evident that the Big 12 is in trouble, but Texas stands a better chance at becoming an independent or going west to the Pac 12 than joining the SEC.