ESPN: North Carolina made a priority as SEC is set to be expanded…..

This analyst thinks the Tar Heels would be the SEC’s first target if it decided to grow once more.

As the “what ifs” for certain elite leagues begin to materialize, the subject of realignment in college athletics keeps coming up.

The SEC now appears to be overcrowded with 16 teams in its league, but Paul Finebaum thinks the Tar Heels of North Carolina would be the SEC’s first choice if it were to try to grow.

At the top is North Carolina. After that, I believe it becomes somewhat unknown. A million diverse theories exist. Would North Carolina bring a companion along? Or would they merely lounge around?

Everyone is watching the ACC since there are rumors that a few schools are trying to find other conferences before the conference’s rights grant expires in 2036. The programs that have generated the most buzz in the rumor mill are Florida State and Clemson, but it appears that the Tar Heels would have many choices if they decide to investigate them.

The UNC football program would benefit from joining the SEC, and the UNC basketball team would have a formidable conference to frequently play against. If North Carolina becomes a conference free agent, the two conferences will probably compete for their services, therefore joining the Big Ten might possibly be on the table.

Would the Tar Heels leave on their own, or would they be forced to join another ACC school on their path to the prospective new conference?

As usual, there’s a chance that more conference realignments will occur because there are increasing indications that several ACC universities are considering leaving the conference. The North Carolina Tar Heels will be extensively recruited if the ACC begins to fail because of the university’s strong brand, which is difficult for any other prospective suitor to match.