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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 28, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers players helmets rest on the bench against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Virginia (ACC)

Why SEC Expansion with Virginia Makes Sense

Television markets were a crucial factor in the SEC’s last expansion. Texas A&M brought Houston and a good chunk of Texas while Missouri brought Kansas City. While Richmond, Virginia isn’t a massive get, the nearby cities of Washington D.C. and Baltimore would be huge for the SEC.

Virginia isn’t a football powerhouse by any means, but their athletic program on a whole would strengthen the SEC’s footprint in non-football sports. The ‘Hoos are always in the mix in men’s basketball and have made four College World Series appearances in the past 10 years. Adding that baseball program to the SEC East that already has Florida, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina would be a steal.

Likelihood of Happening

Five percent. While the Cavaliers check several of the boxes, they don’t have a brand that’s big enough for the SEC. And like it or not, football will always be king in this conference. Vanderbilt might not be challenging for a conference title any time soon, but even they are competitive. Virginia has reached 10 wins just once in program history. That’s not going to cut it.