Paul Finebaum: North Carolina would be SEC's top target in potential expansion

The talk about re-alignment in college athletics is a topic that continues to surface, as the "what ifs" are starting to play out for some top-tier conferences.

At this point, the SEC seems to be packed with 16 teams in their conference, but in the event the SEC looks to expand, Paul Finebaum believes that the North Carolina Tar Heels would be their top priority target to add.

“It’s North Carolina at the top. I think, after that, it’s a little bit unknown. There’s a million different theories. Would North Carolina take someone with them? Or would they just sit around?”

The ACC is a conference that everyone is looking at, as there's been speculation that a handful of schools are looking for ways out before the conference's grant of rights expires in 2036. Florida State and Clemson are the programs that have made the most noise in the rumor mill, but it looks like the Tar Heels would have plenty of options if they choose to explore them.

Joining the SEC would be a boost for the UNC football program while providing the UNC basketball program with a strong conference to play against regularly. The possibility of joining the Big Ten could also be in play, as the two conferences will likely battle it out to land North Carolina if they become conference free agents.

The question is: would the Tar Heels depart on their own, or would another ACC school be lumped with them en route to the potential new conference?

As always, the potential for more conference re-alignments could be in play, as there is a growing sense that multiple schools within the ACC are looking to head elsewhere. If the demise of the ACC starts to occur, the North Carolina Tar Heels will be heavily recruited, as the brand the university brings with it is one that is tough for any other potential suitor to match.