Conference realignment is a hot topic in college football, especially with major changes coming in the 2024 season. Several big schools have switched conferences, but Florida State football remains in the ACC. Recently, the Seminoles have made headlines, hinting at a desire to move to a new conference. However, with the Big Ten and SEC making significant changes, it seems neither is interested in adding Florida State.
It’s undeniable that the Big Ten and SEC are currently the top two conferences in college football. They’ve dominated in recent years and have clearly outpaced other power conferences. Naturally, Florida State would prefer joining one of these elite conferences if they left the ACC. Unfortunately for the Seminoles, this seems unlikely. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey even took a subtle jab at Florida State during SEC Media Days, which doesn’t bode well for their chances.
“Georgia was one of the best four teams (in the nation) and didn’t get in (the Playoff),” Greg Sankey said, as reported by Matt Hayes. “But you didn’t see us jumping up and down and complaining and hanging national championship banners.”
Both Florida State and Georgia were left out of the College Football Playoff last season despite having stellar seasons. Georgia was 12-0 and ranked #1 before losing to Alabama in the SEC title game, which knocked them out of playoff contention. One loss against a top team usually isn’t a deal-breaker, but it was for Georgia last season.
Georgia appeared stronger on the field, which was proven in their Orange Bowl matchup. Despite understandable frustration from Florida State, who went 13-0 and won the ACC, they missed the CFP due to an injury to quarterback Jordan Travis.
Georgia demolished Florida State in the Orange Bowl
Florida State and Georgia, the two most disappointed New Year’s Six teams last year, faced off in the Orange Bowl after missing the College Football Playoff. Many Seminoles players opted out of the game to avoid injury before the NFL draft, contributing to the lopsided 63-3 loss. Most people outside of Tallahassee agreed that the Orange Bowl showed Florida State wasn’t CFP material.
Still, many Seminoles fans believed their 13-0 record proved they were the best team in college football last year, and that the Orange Bowl outcome was meaningless due to the opt-outs. Greg Sankey’s comments referred to this sentiment.
Florida State might seek a new conference in the next few years, but for now, it doesn’t appear that the SEC is interested in bringing them in.
