The Big Ten won't consider programs without accreditation from the Association of American Universities (AAU) -- such as Clemson or FSU -- according to longtime college football radio host Greg Swaim's sources.
"I don't know how many times I have to bring this up, but of thirteen B1G schools I have quality sources for, eleven of them tell me in no uncertain terms that their school will absolutely, positively NOT vote in a school that is not AAU accredited," Swaim wrote.
This contradicts reporting from 247Sports' Brad Crawford of the Big Ten wanting FSU (and Notre Dame) during the next round of conference realignment.
"With the conference already widening its reach last year to California with the USC and UCLA additions, stretching deep into Florida seems like a no-brainer," Crawford prefaced before saying, "Miami just wants out of the ACC, period, one source said previously. There is a fear, however, among those close to the Miami program, that the Big Ten is only going to seek out FSU and Notre Dame during its next round of expansion, which would leave Miami without its top choice."
Big 12 could be destination for FSU and Clemson if Big Ten doesn't take them
CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd pegged the Big 12 as a possible landing spot for FSU and Clemson should the AAU accreditation issue rear its ugly head come realignment time and keep the two ACC flight risks out of the B1G.
"That discussion (of FSU joining the SEC or B1G) has not only changed, but Clemson joining its conference rival in filing a lawsuit against the ACC this week -- challenging the grant of rights -- has given new life to another potential round of realignment," Dodd wrote.
"Florida State and Clemson are a dynamic duo that could potentially trigger another shake-up across the college sports landscape. If the 'Noles and Tigers are deemed unworthy of Big Ten or SEC membership, perhaps even the Big 12 shows interest."
Nebraska is in the Big Ten without AAU accreditation after losing it in 2011, so it's not totally over for FSU and Clemson. And who knows? Maybe there will be no Big Ten and the proposed college football Super League will replace the current Power Conference model.