Oklahoma should be a warning to ACC schools wanting to join the SEC

The grass isn't always greener.
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If the Oklahoma Sooners weren't quite SEC ready, then possible newcomers from the ACC definitely won't be.

In the midst of ACC Media Days, Inside Carolina reported Thursday that North Carolina and Clemson are among several ACC schools interested in leaving their conference for the SEC in the next wave of conference realignment. It's safe to assume Florida State would also be in the mix. This movement might not even be possible until 2030, though, because that's when the ACC's exit fee dramatically drops.

North Carolina, Clemson among ACC schools reportedly wanting to join SEC

The SEC just finished its first year of a new era after adding the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns from the Big 12 last July 1. The Sooners didn't take a complete beating in Year 1 of the SEC, but the going was definitely tough at times and proved to be a more difficult challenge in nearly every sport.

In football, the king sport of the conference, the Sooners endured a 6-7 season thanks to a 2-6 conference record. Men's basketball and baseball both got off to stellar starts through nonconference play, but then things drastically dipped once their SEC slates started.

Overall, the Sooners captured one SEC championship in softball while sharing the tournament title. Women's gymnastics won a national title but not the SEC championship. Every other sport came up short.

If the Sooners took their lumps after ruling the Big 12 for decades, especially in football, just imagine what happens when the conference gets ahold of North Carolina and Clemson and whoever else also wants a taste.

North Carolina is desperate enough to make its football program relevant again that it's dealing with all the Bill Belichick drama. Florida State went 2-10 last season. Clemson has ruled the ACC in football and won the conference last season with a 10-4 record, but three of its losses came against SEC opponents as the Tigers were winless against the conference.

The money is obviously enticing and the grass always seems greener, but OU should be a warning that if even the Sooners are struggling to gain a footing, then North Carolina and Clemson definitely aren't SEC ready.

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