National reporter bullish on Blue Devils joining UNC in SEC if ACC implodes, calls Duke basketball 'jet fuel'

USA Today's Blake Toppmeyer implied that Duke and UNC could be a package deal in the next round of conference realignment -- and believes that Duke basketball would be "jet fuel" for the SEC, which hasn't had a national champion in 12 years.

"I've previously suggested other schools as the fourth ACC target for the SEC," Toppmeyer prefaced before saying, "However, upon reconsideration, I think the SEC should just go for this basketball blue blood if it wants to reach 20. Assuming the SEC could get UNC, adding Duke would preserve college basketball's top rivalry. Plus, men's basketball is one of the few sports the SEC doesn't rule. The SEC hasn't produced a men's hoops national champion since the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats. Duke would be basketball jet fuel."

USA Today's John Adams shared skepticism about Duke joining UNC, Clemson, and FSU -- which the duo feels would be best fit for the SEC and not in the Big Ten, as has been rumored -- believing that Blue Devils football would be a fish out of water in the "It Just Means More" conference.

"If these are the options, I choose Virginia," Adams prefaced before saying, "I can't wrap my head around Duke football in the SEC."

SEC football not likely to have top teams threatened, Duke basketball most attractive possible addition

The NIL era initially appeared like it'd bring parity to the sport, but in reality, the richest schools are widening the gap between them and the rest.

In the SEC, there's serious money with Texas now in the mix. The Longhorns, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and the like will likely continue to reel in top recruits regardless if there's increased competition from teams like FSU, Clemson, and/or UNC.

That's why bringing in the Duke basketball money and interest would be the best possible SEC addition pound for pound.

Too bad Duke football would be in over their heads in shark-infested SEC waters.