3. Florida State Seminoles
So far staying consistent with the rumor mill, Florida State comes in at number 3 on the list.
FSU already has an SEC rivalry like Clemson does. Joining the SEC could add to that rivalry and up the stakes.
And while their program is down currently, they have actually had some recent national success in the past decade.
They won the 2013 National Championship, had a Heisman trophy winning quarterback (Jameis Winston), and are the only team in the ACC to make the College Football Playoff other than Clemson.
Their brand still draws plenty of attention for football and is one of the top brands in the ACC. It could also become one of the top football brands that are “available” if the ACC decided to stay put.
Their main issue is finding a coach to get back on track. That might be the issue for most programs, but for FSU they haven’t had to deal with something like this since the 70s. And it’s an understatement to say to they have had a rough go at it since Jimbo Fisher left.
Maybe Mike Norvell is the guy, maybe he isn’t. But FSU had 40 plus years of consistency prior to 2018.
And to pass up on a brand as big as Florida State’s when they’re available seems shortsighted. Which the SEC is not.