Potential SEC Expansion Target Emerges as Next Wave of College Football Realignment Looms

Potential SEC Expansion Target Emerges as Next Wave of College Football Realignment Looms originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

In what feels like a distant memory, the SEC is actually responsible for the onslaught of conference realignment moves that led college football to its current state.

Before Los Angeles schools joined a conference with programs in Nebraska and New Jersey and a Power 5 conference collapsed, the SEC got the ball rolling by adding both Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12. While Commissioner Greg Sankey has said on multiple occasions that the conference is content with its current 16 schools, that doesn't mean programs aren't interested in joining the conference responsible for producing 14 champions since 2000.

Earlier this week, Inside Carolina's Adam Smith reported that the North Carolina Tar Heels are eying a move to the SEC.

"But make no mistake, now, multiple sources told IC, the SEC is where the Tar Heels are aiming under the leadership of Roberts and Newmark, should UNC move to leave the ACC for another league, perhaps in the near future," wrote Smith. "Sources said the 2030-31 school year, when the ACC's decreasing exit fees dip from $93 million to the flat $75 million threshold, would figure to become an important final line of demarcation, if the Tar Heels haven't made their departure sooner."

As confirmed by Smith, if the Tar Heels were to attempt to leave the ACC any year before 2030, the exit fees would range from $93 million to $165 million. The fees drop to $75 million from 2030-36.

Why is North Carolina an SEC candidate over Florida State, Clemson?

While both Florida State and Clemson have essentially attempted to kick and scream their way into an SEC invite, Scott Dochterman of The Athletic revealed North Carolina's biggest advantage.

Aside from Charlotte being the location of the SEC Network's headquarters, there are also no teams in either the SEC or Big Ten in the state.

There is still plenty of time for the ACC to find a fix that keeps everyone happy, but North Carolina is sitting pretty regardless.

Related: Greg McElroy Names Team to Beat in SEC Without Hesitation

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.