Brett McMurphy: 100% of Everyone I Talked to Doesn’t Want FSU & Clemson

Brett McMurphy: 100% of Everyone I Talked to Doesn’t Want FSU & Clemson | Conference Realignment

Brett McMurphy from Action Network HQ provided some intriguing insights today from his sources, while speaking at SEC media days in Dallas. McMurphy's revelations, particularly concerning the futures of Florida State (FSU) and Clemson, are creating considerable stir within the college football community.

Future of FSU and Clemson

McMurphy noted that any potential departure of FSU and Clemson from the ACC depends on the evolving legal circumstances. McMurphy reiterated multiple times through various sources—including university presidents, conference personnel, athletic directors, consultants, and network executives—that neither the SEC nor the Big 10 have an appetite for FSU or Clemson should the ACC remain intact. Those conferences do not want these schools due to concerns about disruption and lack of trust.

In interviews, Southeastern Conference (SEC) presidents have been explicit about lacking interest in adding FSU or Clemson, primarily because each already has a significant presence in Florida and South Carolina. This leaves FSU and Clemson in a precarious position unless more schools leave the ACC, allowing for the necessary destabilization that might make them attractive candidates for other conferences.

Alternative Scenarios

If the ACC were to remain mostly intact outside of FSU and Clemson, the natural inclination would be for these two programs to look for other conferences, although Big 12 would be seen as an unattractive consolation. The scenario might twist if Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner, could somehow elevate the financial appeal of the Big 12 to match or get close to the Big 10 or SEC’s payouts. Current per-school revenues hovering around $ 30-35 million would need to increase substantially for FSU/Clemson to consider a move voluntarily.

Potential Realignments

McMurphy predicts that if the ACC were to crumble, you'd see a frenzied realignment worth watching. Both the SEC and Big 10 would then presumably battle for premier schools like North Carolina and Virginia, followed by potential bids for FSU and Clemson, and possibly Miami. This would eventually leave the Big 12 to scoop up remaining schools like Louisville, Pitt, and Virginia Tech, creating a new landscape in college football.

How It May Unfold

Continued efforts by FSU to exit the ACC might lead to a backtrack that sees them remain in the conference if no viable alternatives come to fruition. McMurphy highlighted that ESPN's willingness to amplify rights fees for a move to another conference is slim. The emergence of private equity in media rights deals might be a differentiator but remains speculative at best.

SEC Media Day Atmosphere

In terms of accessibility at SEC media days, McMurphy notes that if you're not affiliated with ESPN, getting face-to-face time with key figures is challenging compared to other conferences like the Big 12 and Mountain West where access is comparatively open.

Keywords

Future of FSU and Clemson, Conference Realignment, ACC departure, SEC, Big 10, Legal Proceedings, Big 12, Media Rights, Revenue Sharing, College Football Landscape

FAQ

1. What is the primary concern for FSU and Clemson attempting to leave the ACC? The main issue is navigating legal constraints and finding a lucrative landing spot in either the SEC or Big 10, both of which currently show no interest in adding them.

2. Why don't the SEC and Big 10 want FSU or Clemson? Concerns include distrust, disruption, and no added financial benefit for current conference members.

3. What will happen if FSU and Clemson leave the ACC but can't join SEC or Big 10? If they fail to join the SEC or Big 10, the Big 12 emerges as an option, but FSU and Clemson are not keen on this scenario unless it becomes financially comparable.

4. How does private equity affect conference realignment? Private equity could potentially boost media rights fees, making leagues like the Big 12 more attractive, but this is speculative and not guaranteed.

5. What kind of access is available at SEC media days? Limited access unless one is an ESPN employee. Other conferences like the Big 12 and Mountain West allow more open interactions.