4. Miami Hurricanes
UM is the only deviation on this list.
Based on rumors, this spot would go to Virginia. And it makes sense, Virginia brings their own things to the table. But Miami fits better for the SEC and could have a greater impact if they can get their program back on track..
Beginning with the elephant in the room, their football team has been up and down (mostly down) over the last 15 plus years.
And they have had zero national success other than beating Notre Dame 41-8 back in 2017.
But they are still a notable brand, and being in Florida, would have an in-state rivalry with the Gators.
If Florida State joins with Miami then the SEC will own Florida completely and could add some great storylines for the Sunshine State.
The possibilities are certainly fun to think about and for UM, that rivalry is probably their biggest calling card for SEC acceptance.
Being able to revive a rivalry in a college football world that is seeing some die out would be a great move for the conference.
In the last 10 years, UM and UF have only met twice and split the meetings. The potential for another great rivalry could be too much for the SEC to pass up.
The best thing UM has going for itself is their location and history. But it’s not necessarily the only thing they have.
After Mark Richt and Manny Diaz failed to bring glory back to the U, Miami needed to get a big fish in the coaching market.
And one day after firing Diaz, UM hired former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal.
Getting another big-time hire shows that Miami still has a draw. And if they were to join the SEC and reap all of the benefits that comes with it, they could finally return to their former glory.
And for the SEC, having a Hurricane team like the early 2000’s or the 80’s would be like winning the lottery.
So could it happen? Maybe. It hasn’t been rumored but it’s a very fascinating possibility for both sides.