North Carolina’s Potential SEC Move Gains Momentum
Earlier last week, Inside Carolina’s Adam Smith reported that North Carolina could be exploring a move from the ACC to the SEC. The Tar Heels are reportedly leading the pack among ACC schools considering a conference switch, and such a move could happen sooner rather than later.
Naturally, when the SEC is involved, Paul Finebaum weighed in. He didn’t dismiss the idea of UNC joining the conference—in fact, he sees it as increasingly likely.
“I think, first of all, someone we spoke with recently suggested that the [SEC] commissioner may be involved,” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. “I don’t speak for anyone, but anyone who knows Greg Sankey knows this: he hasn’t spoken to anyone formally or informally. That’s not how he operates—especially after what happened a few years ago.”
To Finebaum, the rumors appear to be coming from within UNC circles.
“It sounds like people close to North Carolina are floating this idea, likely out of frustration with their current situation—even though the ACC is trying to show unity,” he added. “We all know there’s anxiety among several schools in that conference.”
Despite the caveats, Finebaum made his stance clear: “I think ultimately it’s going to happen. I know I took the long route to say it, but UNC has long been the top target for many in SEC circles. The real questions are: when will it happen—and who will be their partner in the move?”
Finebaum isn’t the only one reading the tea leaves. Former SEC quarterback and analyst Greg McElroy echoed the sentiment, pointing to a recent high-profile coaching hire as another sign.
“It kind of checks out, Paul,” McElroy said. “Whenever a school hires a big-name coach, they tend to be on the move. Look at Colorado with Deion Sanders, or Texas with Sarkisian. It’s not that uncommon. Now you have Bill Belichick at North Carolina—it makes you wonder if something’s brewing.”
For now, Belichick and the Tar Heels remain focused on the ACC. But if the speculation proves true, North Carolina’s potential move to the SEC could dramatically reshape the college sports landscape. Time will tell if the smoke leads to fire.
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