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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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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies fans hold up signs during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Virginia Tech (ACC)

Why SEC Expansion with Virgina Tech Makes Sense

The Hokies check all of the boxes. Virginia Tech is near a huge television market. The school is a great geographic fit and would slide perfectly into the SEC East. Finally, the Hokies would fit right in to the SEC culture. USA Today called the Hokies the seventh best fan base in all of college football. SEC football is built on passion and fanaticism. While that might not be evaluated to the same degree as the finances in an expansion discussion it isn’t any less important.

Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, so the SEC wouldn’t be stealing away a founding institution. The Hokies haven’t had a losing season in football since 1992, and new head coach Justin Fuente picked up right where Frank Beamer let off with a 10 win season in 2016. Good football. Great fit.

Next: Where does Sumlin rank in Aggie coaching history?

Likelihood of Happening

75 percent. Virginia Tech is the cross section of the most attainable and most desirable college football programs. While they might not be the biggest name or the most obvious pick, adding the Hokies to the SEC would be not only a huge coup, but a tremendous win for the SEC.

***Stats from Sports Reference, Television Markets from Nielsen***