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It’s definitely an interesting question, and honestly I think a good argument could be made that if given the choice in 2024 that UVA and UNC would prefer The SEC.
Despite the more liberal nature of their academic sides, their fanbases, alums, and key boosters are decidedly old south in their leaning. In a perfect scenario they would stay in a viable ACC forever, but that scenario is quickly going away.
My guess is that when it comes time to put pen to paper, they will feel more aligned with Alabama, UGA, and Florida than they do with Michigan, OSU, and Penn State.
With the academic profile of The SEC rapidly improving and success on the basketball court becoming a real thing, it’s not that hard to imagine. The SEC’s best move would be UNC, Duke, UVA, and Clemson. They could legitimately lay claim to best football and basketball conference in one swift move.
As a bonus they likely keep The B1G out of Virginia, The Carolinas and Georgia forever, because it’s highly unlikely that the money or support would be there for VPI, NCSU, or GT. The only move that they could make to try to keep pace would be FSU and ND, but that is far from certain.
Seems reasonable, but why would the SEC prefer Clemson to FSU? For that matter why Duke to FSU?
UNC, UVa, FSU, and Clemson would be a good top 4 for the SEC.
I could see the B1G going for ND and UVa, SEC taking their pick of the rest. If travel, contiguity, and academics matter, UVa is better than FSU. FSU wins on athletics and money.