Just when you thought that conference realignment was going to quiet down and rumors of teams looking to leave one conference for another were over, think again.
Clemson and Florida State looking to get out of the ACC for years has been highlighted during each season, but talk about it comes up the most in football. Would they be better off in the SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12? Of course, they would love to go to the SEC and find greener pastures outside of the ACC, but anything is possible. Now, it appears that you can add North Carolina to the list of ACC schools reportedly exploring heading to the SEC.
North Carolina reportedly exploring moving to the SEC
According to Inside Carolina, UNC is exploring a potential move from the ACC to the SEC. Now this isn't something that would happen quickly, or maybe it could, but it certainly sends a message to ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips that a third school might activly be looking for a move. Maybe more in due time as well.
REPORT: North Carolina is exploring a potential move from the ACC to the SEC, per @InsideCarolina😮https://t.co/acGuw7hhUY pic.twitter.com/MbwyHGqxJK
— On3 (@On3sports) July 24, 2025
The problem for North Carolina is, if they were to make the move, they would have to whip out the checkbook and pay a hefty buyout. Earlier this month, the exit fees were released after the settlement with Clemson and Florida State. Beginning this season, the buyout with be $165 million, then it slowly drops over the upcoming years until it hits it lowest point in 2030-36 at $75 million.
This is some curious timing in the report with Bill Belichick entering his first season on the sideline as head coach of the Tar Heels football program. Now there's no telling how long Belichick will last in Chapel Hill after this year, as if another NFL team comes calling, you know he would end up listening. This move for UNC would be about all sports, but you have to think, where there's smoke, there's likely fire.