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It was reported by ESPN that Clemson and Florida State have reached out to the Southeastern Conference about joining their membership.
Per a reliable source, Clemson+Florida State have reached out to the SEC about joining the conference.
— Marc Ryan (@MarcRyanOnAir) August 2, 2021
The SEC is concerned that streaming numbers for Clemson+Florida State don't bring what Oklahoma+Texas do.
Notre Dame is the only "free agent" left that would "add to the pot."
The source also said that the SEC wasn’t necessarily interested in the 2 schools, as their streaming numbers are not comparable to the two powerhouses they just added, Texas and Oklahoma.
If this report is true in the slightest, it could spell disaster for Boston College. Clemson and FSU hold the ACC together as two of its top programs that get the most media coverage and revenue to support the conference. If they are ready to abandon ship, whether it be for the SEC or elsewhere, then the rest of the conference would face hardship and much reduced prominence.
This is especially a problem for the lesser programs like BC, Wake Forest, or Syracuse, as they would not be in high demand if the ACC were to fall apart and schools needed to find new homes.
UPDATED INFO:
It should be noted that this report is being refuted by someone close to Clemson.
Via CLEMSON. This is not true. https://t.co/gfoFhbTjWC
— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) August 2, 2021