What if Penn State actually joins the SEC?

Conference realignment rumors are swirling, including speculation that three Big Ten teams could wind up in the SEC, which would have major implications for Penn State

With conference realignment rumors swirling and the ‘super conference’ phrase becoming more prevalent, is it possible Penn State could actually leave the Big Ten and join the SEC?

Today, we explore the implications of that hypothetical.

Texas and Oklahoma officially announced their departure from the Big 12 Monday, perhaps signifying the beginning of the end for that conference.

The Longhors and Sooners are by far the biggest draws in the Big 12, and the Big Ten could look to take the Kansas Jayhawks and Iowa State Cyclones in their wake.

But what if Penn State chose to move in a different direction?

Even with the additions of Maryland and Rutgers, Penn State and the Big Ten was never a match made in heaven.  While it has helped the Olympic sports, ever since the Nittany Lions won the conference football title in their first year, it’s been made clear time and time again that the conference will protect the Buckeyes and Wolverines on the gridiron above all else.

It probably goes without saying the Big Ten hasn’t helped Penn State develop a major basketball program.

So … What would a move to the SEC look like for Penn State?

Implications for Penn State Football

Well let’s be honest, for the past decade or so, the SEC has run college football.

Yes, Clemson and Ohio State (ugh) have had nice runs but the most dominate conference in the sport is unquestionably the SEC.

While getting out of the same division as Ohio State sounds great, imagine playing in the SEC West division where you have to beat Alabama, LSU and Auburn just to get to a conference championship game.  And that’s prior to the addition of Texas and Oklahoma.

There’s also the possibility, as some reports have suggested, that the SEC is aiming to add Michigan and Ohio State. So, the Nittany Lions wouldn’t be getting out of the Buckeyes’ shadow.

The SEC East is much more akin to the Big Ten West.  Penn State would have a decent shot here year in and year out, with top teams Florida and Georgia a bit less scary.

Looking at National Champions in the past fifteen years, here’s how the SEC essentially crushes the Big 10:

2020 — Alabama (SEC)

2019 — LSU (SEC)

2017 — Alabama

2015 — Alabama

2014 — Ohio State (yay B1G)

2012 — Alabama

2010 — Auburn (SEC)

2009 — Alabama

2008 — Florida

2007 — LSU (SEC)

2006 — Florida

There’s no question moving to the SEC would be a step up for the Nittany Lion football program.