Paul Finebaum calls Texas, Oklahoma announcement one of the greatest moments in SEC history

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum called the Texas and Oklahoma announcement to the SEC one of the greatest in conference history.

The announcement was a little bit of a surprise since it came a year earlier than expected. Both schools will play for the SEC in 2024, rather than start during the 2025 season.

Essentially, Finebaum chalked it up to a sense of relief before celebration for the SEC.

“I think it lifts the veil of uneasiness that’s existed, quite frankly, since the announcement came out a year and a half ago,” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic. “And I read it in the commissioner’s face the other day. I mean, he was relieved because this was obviously not easy. But I think I think when the news broke, it was one of the greatest moments in Southeastern Conference history because we’re finally moving forward. 

“This thing could not go to 2025 for many, many reasons. Number one, it was just simply too long away. And secondly, I just think that was the Big Ten making its move next year, and the Big 12 making a move this year. The SEC had to have closure on this and I think all fans ought to be rejoicing with this news. I think it is a great day.”

The media rights contracts were always the biggest hurdle to accomplishing this sooner. Expansion feels like the natural next step in college athletics when it comes to the leagues. However, deals that have schools and programs locked in have slowed that process down.

“This has always been consistent in the observation about the existing relationships between the Big 12 Conference and its members. And our invitation, effective on July 1st, 2025? (It) was predicated on their agreements and the expiration on June 30th of those agreements,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “Their willingness, ability, and interest to adjust the departure date? It’s what was central to us having the opportunity to move this forward sooner rather than later.”

Once Texas and Oklahoma actually plaster SEC logos onto apparel and the fields, it’ll feel even more like the greatest moment in conference history.

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Thanks to the Big 12, the SEC finally found a way to get its newest members a year earlier. With all parties now content, they can all prepare for their respective subtractions or additions much sooner than anyone originally anticipated.