In a headline-grabbing moment sure to rile up college football fans across the Southeast, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has reportedly thrown his support behind Clemson as the superior choice over Florida State for any potential SEC expansion — but with a biting twist. According to multiple sources, Finebaum quipped during an off-air conversation that the Seminoles “still think it’s 2013,” a jab at their national championship season under former coach Jimbo Fisher.
The remark, which quickly spread through social media and fan forums, has sparked a wave of reactions from both fanbases. Clemson supporters hailed it as validation from the SEC’s most vocal media personality, while Florida State fans called it disrespectful, outdated, and entirely off base.
Finebaum, known for his unapologetic commentary and deep ties to the SEC landscape, is no stranger to controversy. But this time, the college football provocateur went beyond his usual radio jabs by suggesting that Florida State’s relevance is more rooted in nostalgia than present-day dominance.
“The SEC is looking for programs that bring sustained excellence and national appeal,” Finebaum reportedly said. “Clemson’s been to six playoffs, won two national titles in the last decade, and has a coach who can go toe-to-toe with Saban or Kirby. Florida State? They’ve had a good season or two, but they still act like they’re kings of the BCS.”
While the SEC has not confirmed any official plans to add more schools following the blockbuster additions of Texas and Oklahoma, speculation has been rampant that the league could eventually look to further strengthen its footprint by raiding the ACC. Clemson and Florida State are the most obvious targets due to their rich football traditions, large fanbases, and national profiles.
Finebaum’s support for Clemson could carry weight, given his influence within SEC media circles. He emphasized Clemson’s consistent competitiveness under head coach Dabo Swinney, their proven recruiting pipeline, and the Tigers’ intense fan following that rivals any in the South.
“Clemson has a winning culture right now,” he added. “They know what it takes to play at the highest level year in and year out. The SEC needs programs that can thrive immediately — not ones that need to rekindle a spark from a decade ago.”
Florida State loyalists were quick to respond, pointing out their recent 13–1 season and arguing that the Seminoles are “back” in every sense of the word. Some critics also noted that Clemson’s recent seasons have shown signs of decline compared to their mid-2010s peak, citing quarterback struggles and offensive inconsistency.
Others in the college football world cautioned against writing off Florida State too quickly. “Yes, 2013 was a while ago,” said one anonymous ACC assistant coach, “but the program has been recruiting well, and Norvell seems to have them on the right path again.”
Still, Finebaum’s dig at Florida State has added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two schools, and reignited the debate about which powerhouse is better suited for a move to the SEC — should that opportunity arise.
As realignment rumors swirl and television contracts continue to reshape the landscape of college football, one thing is clear: wherever Clemson and Florida State end up, they’ll be bringing history, drama, and a whole lot of fan passion with them. And if Paul Finebaum’s comments are any indication, the fight for SEC inclusion could be just as fierce as any battle on the field.
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