ACC Conference Uncertainty: What Could Happen Next?
The ACC, known for its powerhouse football programs like Clemson and Florida State, is facing potential changes that could shake up the college football landscape. Both Clemson and Florida State have sued the ACC over matters related to the league’s grant of rights, with concerns over media deals and financial disparities compared to other conferences like the SEC and Big Ten.
While experts believe the chances of the ACC dissolving are slim, the possibility remains. If Clemson and Florida State were to leave, it could trigger a domino effect of other schools wanting out as well. This could lead to a realignment of the conference, with schools like Miami, North Carolina, and Louisville potentially finding new homes in other power conferences.
For the Group of Five conferences, the dissolution of the ACC could leave some programs behind. However, there is speculation that leagues like the AAC or Sun Belt could form arrangements with leftover ACC teams to maintain competitive opportunities for those programs.
With the recent addition of Stanford, Cal, and SMU to the ACC, expansion seems unlikely at the moment. The conference’s media deal, while lucrative, still falls short compared to the Big Ten and SEC. Exit fees for schools like Clemson and Florida State are substantial, further complicating any potential departures from the ACC.
As the NCAA moves towards allowing college football players to be paid directly, the ACC and its member schools will need to navigate these changes while ensuring their programs remain competitive. The future of the ACC is uncertain, but one thing is clear – the college football landscape could be in for a major shift.
