SEC Eyes Florida State and Clemson to Stay Top in College Football

On September 4, 2025, a big story in college football shook things up. The Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the strongest groups in college sports, is being urged to add Florida State and Clemson to keep up with its rival, the Big Ten. These two teams, currently in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), are eager to leave due to money problems. A recent legal deal means they can exit the ACC after the 2030 season, but many believe the SEC should act sooner. Led by Greg Sankey, the SEC’s powerful commissioner, the conference needs these football powerhouses to stay ahead in the race for the national title. This move could change college football forever.

1. Why Florida State and Clemson Want Out

1. Florida State and Clemson are tired of the ACC because it doesn’t make as much money as the SEC or Big Ten. In 2024, the ACC was called “cash-strapped,” meaning it has less cash from TV deals and other sources. Both teams were so desperate to leave, they were ready to pay nearly half a billion dollars to break free. A legal settlement this summer made it easier, setting their exit for after 2030, but they might leave earlier if the SEC invites them.
2. Money Issues: The ACC’s TV deal with ESPN pays each school about $40 million a year, while SEC schools get over $70 million.
3. Big Dreams: Florida State and Clemson want to compete with the best, and the SEC’s huge budget and top teams make it the perfect fit.

2. Why the SEC Needs Them

1. The SEC is known as the king of college football, but lately, the Big Ten has been catching up. The Big Ten added strong teams like Oregon and USC, making it bigger and richer. The SEC hasn’t won a national title since 2023, and this season, teams like Alabama and LSU struggled against Florida State and Clemson. Adding these football powerhouses would keep the SEC on top.
2. Strong Teams: Florida State beat Alabama, and Clemson almost beat LSU, proving they play like SEC teams—tough and talented.
3. TV Power: Florida State is a huge draw on TV, even in bad seasons, and Clemson has played in seven of the last 11 College Football Playoffs, winning two.

3. Greg Sankey’s Big Decision

1. Greg Sankey, the SEC’s commissioner, is the most powerful man in college sports. He’s known for making bold moves, like adding Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC in 2024. Now, he’s being urged to pick up the phone when Florida State and Clemson call. The argument that these teams don’t add “value” to the SEC is weak—everyone knows they’re winners.
2. Sankey’s Plan: He wants the SEC to stay the best, and adding Florida State and Clemson would bring more fans, money, and wins.
3. No Drama: Sankey could ask the teams to pay their ACC exit fees and join without legal issues, making a smooth move.

4. The Changing World of College Football

1. College football is always changing. Conferences like the Big East and Pac-12 disappeared, and the Big 12 lost big teams like Texas. The Big Ten now stretches from Washington to Rutgers, a crazy 2,800-mile gap. The SEC doesn’t want to fall behind, especially as the Big Ten grows stronger.
2. Crazy Changes: Teams like California and Stanford joined the ACC, and SMU paid $200 million to get in, showing how wild things are.
3. SEC’s Edge: Adding Florida State and Clemson would keep the SEC in its Southern roots while boosting its power.

5. Why It’s Urgent

1. The SEC used to dominate, but recent losses show it’s slipping. Alabama, LSU, and Texas aren’t as strong as before, and Georgia’s coach, Kirby Smart, can’t keep up his intense pace forever. The Big Ten is now the “champion,” as LSU coach Brian Kelly said, and the SEC needs to fight back.
2. Tough Times: The SEC hasn’t won a big game against top teams in years, and Florida and Tennessee haven’t won SEC titles since 2008 and 1998.
3. New Blood: Florida State and Clemson could join and compete for a championship right away, like Texas did in its first SEC season.

6. What Could Go Wrong?

1. There’s a risk. Clemson might lose its star coach, Dabo Swinney, and struggle. Florida State could have a bad season, like when they went 2-10. But the SEC knows these teams are worth it. They bring fans, money, and a winning spirit that fits the conference’s style.
2. Big Value: ESPN paid extra for Texas and Oklahoma, and they’d likely do the same for Florida State and Clemson.
3. No Excuses: The SEC can’t sit still when the Big Ten is growing, or it might lose its top spot.

7. Looking Ahead

1. Greg Sankey has a chance to make the SEC stronger by adding Florida State and Clemson. They’re ready to join, and the SEC needs their talent to stay ahead of the Big Ten. This move could happen before 2030 if the SEC acts fast. As college football keeps changing, the SEC must keep up or risk falling behind. Fans are excited to see if these football powerhouses will wear SEC colors soon, keeping the conference in the race for the national title.