CFB insider makes case for Florida State and Clemson's Big 12 inclusion amid ACC lawsuit

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark was bullish about the prospect of adding further programs during the conference expansion and realignment games that have gripped college sports in the past few years. Some candidates mentioned as possible additions to the burgeoning conference include the Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers.

During an episode of "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning," insider Greg McElroy revealed how the Big 12 pursuing the two elite programs could raise the ceiling of their conference.

"If I were the Big 12 I'd be going hard after Florida State and Clemson and all these other schools," McElroy said. "I think that's the only place (Clemson and Florida State) go."

Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers have been locked in litigation with their current conference (The ACC) over the hotly contested grant of rights deal.

The Tigers recently had a favorable ruling by the judge in their case, allowing for it to move forward with its case against the ACC, which will give hope that the programs can finally break free from the conference.

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The allure of the Big 12 for FSU and Clemson

In a report released by the Big 12 last month, it was stated that the revenue distribution between the 14 programs that constitute the conference totaled a record $470 million.

Commissioner Brett Yormark also detailed that there was a 23% increase in ticket sales in the conference, which corresponded with a 79% bump in sponsorship deals after it started handling that aspect of business internally.

“We’ve solidified ourselves as one of the top three conferences in America,” Yormark said during the B12 Media Days. “I will not stop until we are the No. 1 conference in America."

The Big Ten and the SEC (Southeastern Conference) have distinguished themselves as the biggest conferences in college sports over the past two years, especially during the conference expansion and realignment games.

Yormark's closing remarks will give hope to FSU and Clemson that they could still be considered for a spot in the lucrative conference.

“I guess you could say we are still open for business,” Yormark said. “This is not time to press pause.”

The words of the conference's commissioner are reminiscent of the remarks he made last year during the media days after which the conference added Colorado, Utah, Arizona State and Arizona to the conference.

The Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers would be well-served to join the Big 12 as the next best thing in order to catch the media rights gravy train that conferences are benefiting from following conference expansion and realignment.