SEC And Big Ten View ACC Program As Next Major Addition, But It's Not FSU Or Clemson: REPORT

Florida State or Clemson might not be the top expansion prize if the ACC implodes.

The true prize reportedly might be in North Carolina.

It was announced Tuesday that Clemson is also suing the ACC over its grant of rights and media deal following in the footsteps of Florida State. Two of the biggest brands in the conference are now in open war against it, and it's viewed as the first major step towards the top programs fleeing for the Big Ten or SEC.

However, the most important brand is apparently in Chapel Hill.

Will the Big Ten or SEC add North Carolina? (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Will the SEC and Big Ten target North Carolina?

Stuck in some reporting from Ross Dellenger about Clemson suing the ACC, it was noted that the Tar Heels - not the Seminoles or Tigers - are viewed as the top potential expansion prize.

A source told Dellenger, "North Carolina is the lynchpin." Translation: The program with the most influence and power might not even have made their move yet.

Will UNC leave the ACC? (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

For the record, there have been whispers about the Big Ten and SEC truly wanting North Carolina above all other programs since summer 2022, when the Big Ten announced the additions of USC and UCLA. The chatter only increased with the additions of Oregon and Washington.

The college football landscape now consists of the Power 2 (SEC and Big Ten), two relatively strong conferences (Big 12 and ACC) and then everyone else.

The writing is on the wall that great programs have to fight like dogs to get into the B1G or SEC, and UNC as the top prize makes a lot more sense than FSU or Clemson. The Seminoles and Tigers are in states that already have SEC programs. No Big Ten or SEC team is in North Carolina.

Adding UNC would broaden the reach of both conferences and enrich their TV deals. The same simply isn't true for FSU or Clemson.

Furthermore, North Carolina is a flagship university and one of the best academic schools in the country. Again, the same does not apply to Clemson or Florida State.

Will North Carolina join the Big Ten or SEC? (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Surprised by UNC being at the top of the expansion list? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.