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Ranking the 14 Most Likely SEC Expansion Candidates

ByMatthew 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
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks mascot performs during the first half against the UC Davis Aggies in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

6. Kansas (Big 12)

Why SEC Expansion with Kansas Makes Sense

Again. This is all about availability and not as much about prestige. What the Jayhawks do have that Kansas State doesn’t is an elite basketball program. There’s not a long list of programs that would improve the quality of football in the SEC, but basketball could use all the help it could get. Kansas has been to 14 Final Fours. Excluding Kentucky, that’s more than the rest of the SEC schools combined.

The Jayhawks do not have a good football program, but a game against Kansas would be much needed between trips to Baton Rouge and Auburn. The SEC has been critcized for scheduling “cup cake” opponents, but there wouldn’t be an argument to be made if the “cup cake” was a conference game. Isn’t that right Big 12?

Likelihood of Happening

25 percent. While taking Kansas State would probably require a package deal, the SEC wouldn’t ever consider adding two teams from the state of Kansas. If they had to pick one, Kansas is the obvious choice.