Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster. Being a Tulane fan, you can likely imagine that I hope the ACC expands to include us in the near future. It's something I talk about probably too much and that I reflect anytime I play CFB27 dynasty mode. But I am also incredibly biased towards one fanbase and, more likely than not, have no clue what I'm talking about.

So, rather than go and ask r/CFB, who will likely tell me that the ACC will implode the same way that the Pac-12 did and that the Big 12 will take some teams despite major differences in each situation, I wanted to ask the people of this subreddit who would be the ideal expansion candidates in 2030, assuming expansion of 2-4 teams does occur? I have often heard UConn, USF, and Tulane are the first three, usually in that order, but it's that extra school that I'm really curious about. Some people say Memphis, which despite their decent football and good basketball, are severely lacking in academics. Others have said Rice, which despite their good academics, are severely lacking in football and basketball.

I'm mostly just curious for the perspective of those most affected by changes in the ACC, so any input would be much appreciated! Thanks!

The Chapel Bill experiment for North Carolina enters year 2. Bill Belichick knows how to win, but will this be the year that shows?

📌 Who will emerge at QB?

📌 The RBs are really good, skill talent in general is strong

📌 North Carolina's defense was low-key good much of last year, but lost some pieces from that group

Preview attached. What are your predictions for North Carolina entering 2026?

Inject either scenario including Syracuse into my veins of course, but this would be an incredibly ACC thing to have happen. Maybe we’d even get 4 teams in the CFP!

Phillips said Wednesday during his annual forum that the league would crack $900 million in total revenue for the just-completed 2025-26 season.

By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024-25 filings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million.

That $900 million equates to approximately $51.4 million per school for its 17.5 members. Whenever the ACC hits a revenue milestone, the media typically contrasts its revenue with that of the SEC and Big Ten. They almost always do.

But look at the Big 12. Their projected revenue for 2025-2026 is $710 million, which translates to roughly $44.4 million per school. (the media coverage of the Big 12’s revenue typically focuses on its growth and resilience.)

These figures represent total revenue, not distributions. Still, it is very likely that the ACC will maintain roughly a $7 million per-school advantage over the Big 12 in the first year of the B12’s new media deal.

I’ve said it many times, but it’s comical how many realignment “experts” predict that several ACC schools will jump to the B12 around 2030.

Why would any ACC school pay a $75 million exit fee just to join the Big 12 and get paid “less”? That’s just an asinine take.

Their reasoning is always the same: when the ACC loses some schools to the P2 around 2030, its value will plummet and the remaining schools will need a lifeboat.

But come on, the ACC’s media deal does not expire in 2030. The ESPN contract runs through 2036.

The ACC will still get paid more than the Big 12 through 2036 unless the Big 12 strikes a miraculous mega deal in 2031.

I don’t see that happening in this tough media market. It’s likely the ACC will maintain its lead.

Not only that, but unless the Big 12 adopts unequal revenue distribution, its top programs will trail the ACC’s top programs by $20 million+. (In other words, the Big 12’s top tier schools will have a financial incentive to move to the ACC)

How will the media predict the standings? My guess on how they'll rank the teams (not my personal prediction):

1. Miami

2. SMU

3. Clemson

4. VT

5. Louisville

6. GT

7. Cal

8. NC State

9. UVA

10. UNC

11. FSU

12. Duke

13. Pitt

14. Syracuse

15. Wake

16. Stanford

17. BC

Coach Dabo Swinney would be the first to tell you he's had some great players play for him and the Clemson Tigers.  Which players would make the All-Time Dabo Swinney team? 

Presenting the All-Time Dabo Swinney Clemson team: 

https://johnbaranowski.wordpress.com/2026/06/14/presenting-the-all-time-dabo-swinney-clemson-football-team/

NC State is entering a huge 2026 season, following a couple disappointing seasons the Wolfpack look to get back in the thick of the ACC race

📌 Is CJ Bailey the best QB in the ACC?

📌 RB Jayden Scott takes the lead role after flashing ability last year and the Wolfpack revamped the receiver room

📌 Portal help comes in to try to help the defense improve

Full Preview attached. What are your thoughts on NC State in 2026?

Assuming Miami has the season people expect them to have and beats ND, but somehow doesnt win the conference, could 1 of SMU, Louisville, Clemson, UVA, or Cal make it in?

Would losing to an 11-1 or 12-0 Miami in the ACCCG be enough to knock them out of an at large spot? If Miami loses to ND and fails to win the conference, could they still get in as an at large this year?

I think the answer to most of these is yes. The perception seems to be that the Big 12 will be a one bid league this year with either TT or BYU. If a bunch of SEC teams finish 9-3 and we don’t have a 2nd G5 team (which feels unlikely to repeat) it seems very possible.

Texas Tech isn’t headed to the ACC. But according to one longtime sports media insider, the Red Raiders are being discussed as a potential contingency plan if relations between Texas Tech and the Big 12 continue to deteriorate.

I have been saying that the ACC will target the Big 12.

To be fair, TTU was not on my list not because it doesn’t bring value, but because the ACC brass cares about academics.

But TTU would be a great addition, especially along with Utah and/or Arizona State.

The Ramblin' Wreck rides again!! Brent Key has turned Georgia Tech into a major factor in the ACC.

Now with a retooled roster can the Yellow Jackets remain in the ACC race? Or will the changes prove to be too much?

Talk about ACC Sports here!

This thread is posted every Thursday at 6:00 AM Eastern.

Old timers will remember these ads that were mainstays during ACC regular season and tourney games, as Jefferson Pilot was one of the league’s biggest sponsors.

Any Wake fans in here that can give me a sense of what type of team you're going to have? What won't KenPom tell me?