Shane Beamer calls conference realignment mind-boggling

Shane Beamer is a straight-shooter, and the topic of conference realignment is no exception. On Thursday, the South Carolina head coach revealed his thoughts on the whirlwind situation.

“[I] Couldn’t be more excited about the conference that we’re in. And I don’t take for granted being in the SEC. I mean, every time I look on the phone, there’s a school in another conference that’s begging to get out of the conference that they’re in. And people making comments about ‘They’re leaving, they’re just trying to figure out how and when.’ It’s mind-boggling to me but thank God that we’re in a conference that is more solid than any conference in the country, in my opinion.

“A conference that other schools are trying to get into, actively. Whether it’s privately or publicly. And don’t take that for granted at all. Thankful for the leadership we have by Greg Sankey and being a part of the greatest conference in America,” Beamer said.

There is certainly an argument for the SEC. While across the country, the Pac-12 is falling to ruin, the SEC is only growing stronger. In 2024, the conference will add Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12. The two programs will add to a walking giant, which raked in $802 million in 2022, according to CBS Sports.

“We talk about it in recruiting all the time, the benefits of being in this league. And it’s evident with what you see going on in the news this week with different schools and the instability in different conferences, as well.”

The SEC stands alone in the NIL field. According to On3, the conference boasted an average NIL valuation of $52,806.54 in 2022. The next closest conference was the Pac-12, with an average valuation of $37,089.80. How are they doing now?

As of now, the Pac-12 is down to four teams in 2024: Stanford, California, Washington State and Oregon State. The landslide began after the conference leaders met on Friday and were unable to come to an agreement on a Pac-12 Grant of Rights that would be satisfactory for everyone.

Despite any competitive nature, Beamer wishes the best for opposing conferences.

“Wish all those schools that we compete against well, wish them well. But we’re fortunate that we’re in this conference and don’t have to worry about a lot of the other things that other schools are worried about in regards to their future,” Beamer said.