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.
Impact of Penn State Basketball in the SEC
Maybe, just maybe, this could be the move that allows the Penn State Men’s Basketball program to flourish.
Moving from the Atlantic 10, where believe it or not the Nittany Lions won a conference championship, to the Big Ten has not proven a successful transition.
The Big Ten in recent years has become an absolute powerhouse in college basketball, and even some of the best years in program history hasn’t earned a NCAA Tournament bid for the Nittany Lions since 2011 (although a bid in 2019 under Pat Chambers was guaranteed until the COVID-19 cancellation).
So what does SEC basketball look like?
They had a paltry six teams qualify for the NCAA Tournament last year and names like Florida, Tennessee and Missouri don’t quite scare you like Michigan State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Kentucky is the school with the most history and it would be fun to see Coach Calipari ‘enjoy’ all the amenties the Bryce Jordan Center has to offer.
While the SEC is still a strong basketball conference, Penn State likely wouldn’t have to slog it’s way through a 4-16 conference schedule each year.
On the women’s side, SEC Basketball has some serious strength. Obviously the Tennesse Volunteers are one of the most legendary programs in the history of the sport. Three SEC schools finished in the top 10 last year (Texas A&M #4, South Carolina #6 and Georgia #10). As opposed to the Big 10 which has had one or two great teams in recent years (Maryland and Ohio State mostly), the deeper SEC will make the rebuild for Carolyn Kieger likely even more difficult.
Would Penn State Baseball finally break through in the SEC?
The SEC is no joke when it comes to baseball and softball.
Penn State has struggled to build traction in either sport due to, in part, their colder weather. Moving to the SEC could mean the conference basement for both of these sports.
While most SEC schools have both indoor and outdoor Track and Field to go along with Cross Country, perhaps some of the bigger surprises on what sports they don’t have.
Only two schools carry a Men’s Soccer program. Zero schools play Men’s or Women’s hockey. Ditto wrestling. Ditto Men’s Volleyball. The SEC does have 5 Equestrian teams though so that’s something.
Academics is another consideration with conference affiliation, although not with as much financial motivation. The SEC has their ‘Northwestern’, Franklin’s former school Vanderbilt. But overall, the academics of the B1G significantly exceed those of the SEC.
Do you think Penn State should stay in the B1G or explore options like moving to the SEC?