Reports of North Carolina to the SEC have started to pop up in recent days. With conference realignment a hot topic of conversation lately, rumors have popped up around a few ACC teams interested in leaving for the SEC. The two teams getting the most attention are Clemson and head coach Bill Belichick’s North Carolina.
According to several reports, including one from the “Sports Business Journal” on Wednesday, North Carolina is among the schools interested in departing the ACC for another conference. The SEC is reportedly the ideal target.
“Realignment watch: Sources say UNC is among the schools exploring a potential move from the ACC with the SEC as the likely target. Under Chancellor Lee Roberts and incoming AD Steve Newmark, the Tar Heels could be leading the pack alongside Clemson.”
Realignment watch: Sources say UNC is among the schools exploring a potential move from the ACC with the SEC as the likely target 👀
Under Chancellor Lee Roberts and incoming AD Steve Newmark, the Tar Heels could be leading the pack alongside Clemson.
Via @InsideCarolina
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) July 24, 2025
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey added fuel to the fire with a cryptic tweet on Thursday night, referring to the SEC as That Other Conference.
“Greetings from That Other Conference,” Greg Sankey wrote.
Greetings from That Other Conference pic.twitter.com/KFPzTRiMQY
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) July 25, 2025
According to a report from Inside Carolina, the exit fees for the ACC drop from $93 million in 2029-30 to $75 million in the 2030-31 academic year.
As North Carolina to SEC Rumors Spread, Commissioner Jim Phillips Preaches Unity
With North Carolina to SEC rumors spreading, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips spoke at ACC Kickoff on Tuesday. His state-of-the-conference address covered several topics, including the desire of teams to remain in the ACC.
Phillips brought up that Clemson and Florida State are no longer suing the ACC. They were suing in an effort to challenge the large exit fees for teams to leave the conference. Phillips then moved on, preaching unity and discussing how much teams want to be in the ACC.
“I have a responsibility to make sure that our ACC schools want to be in this league, not just have to be in this league, and I think that’s important,” Phillips said. “Since we’ve had that take place in March, I’ve not felt stronger about this league than I have in the last five months, and I mean that. I’m not just saying that. It’s not hyperbole and the rest of that stuff. I really believe it.”
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