Paul Finebaum makes bold prediction on Clemson's future, interest in SEC

Conference realignment has shifted plenty of attention on to the ACC in recent weeks. Outlets have connected multiple programs to either the SEC or the Big Ten. One that has been at the forefront of those rumors is the Clemson Tigers. ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum says there’s a fire to go along with that smoke.

Finebaum talked about the Tigers on Monday’s episode of ‘McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning‘. He compared it to Oklahoma’s desire to join and says head football coach Dabo Swinney is actively in these discussions.

“I think Clemson wants out of the ACC. I think they want in the SEC. They remind me a little bit of Oklahoma. Oklahoma had been flirting with the SEC for years,” said Finebaum. “Dabo Swinney knows what’s going on. Nobody knows Alabama outside of Alabama more than Dabo Swinney. He has ties in there through many friends and associates. He can do whatever he wants (and) get great recruits, but he can’t get as many if he’s not in the SEC.”

There are still a lot of hurdles for any ACC team to leave the conference. The ACC’s TV contract runs through 2036, meaning teams would have to break from the contract and pay an exit fee. Other programs are still likely weighing those options. In Clemson’s case, Finebaum says their minds are already made up. It’s whether or not they actually pull the trigger and how they’d do so that’s up in the air.

“At some point, (the ACC is) going to be figured out. There’s no figuring out about Clemson. That would be the school that wants out of there the worst to go to the SEC really for survival,” Finebaum said. “Clemson is still a superpower but Clemson wants to makes sure their best days aren’t in their rearview mirror. I don’t think they can continue that if they remain in the ACC.”

The Tigers have dominated the ACC and been a major player on the national scene during the College Football Playoff era. Remaining at that level, though, may require a change of scenery for Clemson. The Tigers realize who they are. They also see college football’s path moving forward. Clemson just wants to remain in contention and may no longer feel their best chance to do so is in the Atlantic Coast.