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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; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) looks on before the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 48-20. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

2. North Carolina (ACC)

Why SEC Expansion with North Carolina Makes Sense

If the ACC and the state of North Carolina are in fact at odds with each other, the Tarheels would be a steal for the SEC. They’re the biggest program in the state of North Carolina. If they do pull away from the ACC they’ll be the best available option on the expansion market. North Carolina would be preferential to even Oklahoma because of the television audience that they bring with them.

North Carolina is one of the most well-round athletic programs in the country. According to the Capital One Cup they rank in the top 10 of men’s and women’s athletic programs. The Tarheels just won a national championship in basketball. If North Carolina becomes available they’d be at the top of every conference’s wish list.

Likelihood of Happening

65 percent. The tensions between the state of North Carolina and the ACC aren’t going to get any less significant. If North Carolina does become a “free agent” the SEC is the obvious destination.