Two Schools Are Reportedly 'Attractive' To Both SEC, Big Ten

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 5:03 PM ET

Whether fans like it or not, both the Big Ten and SEC will most likely add new conference members in the coming years.

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith claims the Big Ten could expand to 20 teams by 2030. The conference recently beefed up its portfolio by securing deals with Oregon, USC, Washington and UCLA. There's been some chatter in the past about Notre Dame eventually joining the conference, but that rumor hasn't really gained steam of late.

The SEC, on the other hand, strengthened its case for the best conference in college football by welcoming Texas and Oklahoma as new members.

According to On3 insider Brett McMurphy, the Big Ten and SEC could find themselves competing for a pair of ACC programs.

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 12: A general view of the ball marker with the Big Ten logo is seen during a regular season Big Ten Conference college football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Michigan Wolverines on November 12, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Which ACC teams could be on the move?

McMurphy revealed Wednesday that North Carolina and Virginia are both on the Big Ten and SEC's radars.

"The question is, what is going on with the Big 12 and the ACC and are they going to be allowed to be part of that group? … Look, after I reported that this morning, I immediately got a text from someone within the SEC and basically said what I’ve been thinking, and that is North Carolina and Virginia will be highly contested between both conferences," McMurphy said.

"And where they end up, look, no one knows. It’s impossible to say, but I do really believe that they are the most attractive to both leagues. And we’ll have to see what happens."

UNC's football program could be on the rise.

Although nothing is confirmed yet, North Carolina and Virginia would most likely move to the same conference.

There's no question North Carolina is extremely fascinating right now because of Bill Belichick. It's not often you see a legendary coach make the shift from NFL to college at this stage in their career.

The thought of Belichick coaching against Ryan Day or Kirby Smart is definitely intriguing, make no mistake about it. For now though, we'll have to settle for him clashing against Dabo Swinney. After all, UNC will face Clemson on Oct. 4.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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