Then is this rumor simply a way for the SEC to bait the BIG into joining them in splitting up the ACC? Assuming that each league wants a "limited" expansion beyond 16 each, they likely both prefer 4 new teams to 8 teams or larger. With the current rumor being spread, the SEC makes it known they are interested in UNC and UVA - the 2 first options of the BIG in the southeast for market size, new but contiguous states, and "academics" (although I would say UNC's academic scandal ranks up there with the worst of the SEC). The SEC also knows that those 2 schools would strongly prefer the BIG to the SEC. Therefore, throw up the rumor and get the BIG to start making offers to ACC schools. Very quickly you are at 6-8 teams wanting to leave the ACC and having options to leave. The combined effort of the SEC and BIG then results in the GOR (supposedly) blowing up. In this scenario, I see the SEC grabbing FSU and Clemson (per the rumor & who they want) and then settling for VT and NCSU - when the BIG offers UVA and UNC. They would agree NCSU was their 2nd NC target (but know that UNC is unlikely). They also get VT - the more SEC like school - especially when it comes to football. So where does the BIG end up? They take UNC and UVA (which they definitely prefer) and then get selective. Force ND to make a decision first and then grab one to three of the AAU schools left - GT, Miami and/or Duke. All three are smaller, private universities that only fit into the SEC because Vandy needs a partner. (and Vandy is not moving any needles in this process, in fact they only hope that the next iteration in 10 years isn't dropping/ demoting some schools from the BIG and SEC). In addition, it sounds like Miami is on the outs because Florida is already allowing FSU to join within their state. If it goes beyond 20 in each conference, then I see the PAC/Big 12 teams moving (as well as whoever is left in the Big East alumni). After all, they can be picked off 1 or 2 at a time - no minimum number of schools needed to break their GOR or league loyalties. ** Edited by mjfhokie at 7/7/2022, 6:35:33 PM