Paul Finebaum: Clemson a Better SEC Choice Than FSU

The whispers of ACC teams eyeing greener pastures are growing louder, with Clemson and Florida State at the forefront of realignment speculation. But in a move that will send shockwaves through both fanbases, ESPN's Paul Finebaum has declared a surprising new preference: Clemson would be a better pick for the SEC than Florida State!

Finebaum, a vocal proponent of the SEC and often critical of ACC programs, made his controversial stance known on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. While the SEC historically coveted Florida State during past expansions, Finebaum now believes the landscape has shifted.

"I might have said some time back that I didn't think Clemson was in a good position," Finebaum conceded, referencing his past skepticism. "I think they’re probably in a better position now only because in this world that we live in, it is about buzz. It is about sizzle, and it is about matchups."

The veteran analyst didn't hold back in his comparison: "You put Clemson against anyone in the upper level of the SEC, and it’s a far better game than it would be than if you put Florida State against them." He believes Clemson has been "gaining just a little bit of traction just in the parlor game."

Finebaum pointed directly to Florida State's recent inconsistency as a major detriment to their SEC prospects. While FSU celebrated a 13-1 ACC Championship season in 2023, their immediately preceding years included a 5-7 record (2021) and a disastrous 2-10 campaign in 2024 – a stunning collapse from preseason national title hype. Conversely, Clemson has maintained remarkable consistency, including their ACC title run last season.

The ultimate hurdle for either program, according to Finebaum, lies in the politics of conference expansion: how existing SEC teams within those states would react. "Would South Carolina try to stand in Clemson’s way? And, if they did, could they and would they be able to stop them?" Finebaum mused, acknowledging the fierce in-state rivalries.

Despite these potential roadblocks, Finebaum's message is clear: "None which would have as much gravitas as Clemson would."

This unexpected endorsement from the SEC's loudest voice signals a significant shift in the realignment debate. While Florida State aggressively pursues an exit from the ACC, Finebaum's analysis suggests that Clemson's recent stability, big-game potential, and consistent presence in the national conversation might make them the more attractive dance partner for college football's most dominant conference. The whispers of realignment just turned into a thunderous roar.