After last year’s collapse of the Pac-12, concerns are growing that the ACC might face a similar fate. While changes within the league seem likely, they may unfold at a slower pace compared to the Pac-12. Here’s a look at the current state of the ACC and its potential impact on the Group of Five and the broader college football landscape.

Clemson & Florida State’s Position in the ACC

Recently, both Clemson and Florida State have taken legal action against the ACC concerning the conference’s grant of rights. Although neither school has formally announced plans to leave, Florida State has voiced dissatisfaction with the ACC’s media deal, arguing that it falls short of what SEC and Big Ten schools receive. This, they claim, hinders their ability to compete for national titles.

For instance, the new College Football Playoff arrangement through 2031 heavily favors the Big Ten and SEC, providing them with nearly twice the revenue of the ACC and Big 12. Florida State contends that the ACC has mismanaged its TV deal with ESPN and is seeking a court ruling on the legitimacy of the ACC’s grant of rights.

Clemson has similarly questioned the legality of the ACC’s grant of rights in relation to leaving the conference. The ACC, however, maintains that both schools were fully aware of and agreed to the terms when they signed the media deal with ESPN. The conference has countered with lawsuits of its own against both schools, with the Florida attorney general also filing a suit to make the ACC-ESPN media deal public.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips has asserted that the league is ready to defend itself and its members, vowing to fight for as long as necessary.

Is ACC Realignment Imminent?

While sports media experts believe Clemson and Florida State’s legal challenges against the ACC are weak, the possibility of realignment cannot be ruled out. If these schools manage to secure the financial means to exit the conference, or if an amicable resolution is reached, they could seek new conference affiliations.

However, losing Clemson and Florida State would be a significant blow to the ACC, potentially triggering a mass exodus of other major programs, similar to what happened with the Pac-12.

Could ACC Teams Join the Big Ten, SEC, or Big 12?

ACC members should explore other options in case the conference disbands. Schools like Miami, North Carolina, and Louisville could be attractive additions to the remaining power conferences, while programs such as UNC, Duke, and Virginia bring strong traditions in other sports, notably men’s basketball.

Recently, a judge issued a temporary restraining order against North Carolina’s board of trustees, preventing them from discussing finances or conference realignment in a closed session.

What Potential Changes Mean for the Group of Five

Should the ACC dissolve, some programs might be left behind by the power conferences, similar to how Oregon State and Washington State ended up in a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West. Leagues like the AAC or Sun Belt might consider forming partnerships with any leftover ACC teams.

ACC Expansion Possibilities

The ACC recently added Cal and Stanford from the Pac-12, as well as SMU from the AAC, despite opposition from Clemson, Florida State, Miami, and North Carolina. However, further expansion seems unlikely given the conference’s current instability. If Clemson and Florida State reaffirmed their commitment to the ACC, which seems doubtful at the moment, the conference might consider adding more teams, possibly including programs like Memphis or Tulane.

The ACC’s Media Deal and Future in 2024 and Beyond

The ACC’s media deal, which provided each school with around $40 million in 2021-22, is set to expire in 2036, although Florida State’s lawsuit suggests it may only be guaranteed until 2027. By comparison, Big Ten and SEC schools receive over $50 million each under their respective media agreements.

Exit Fees for FSU and Clemson

Clemson’s lawsuit indicates that leaving the ACC would cost the program an exit fee of $140 million, a figure that is three times the conference’s annual budget. Additionally, the cost for Florida State to reclaim its media rights and depart the league could be as high as $572 million.

ACC Football in 2024

In 2024, the ACC will feature 17 football teams, including new additions Stanford, Cal, and SMU. The conference had 14 football teams competing in 2023, with Notre Dame, while independent, playing a significant number of ACC games.

The future of the ACC remains uncertain, with realignment and legal battles potentially reshaping the landscape of college football in the coming years.