ESPN is Driving the Next Phase of SEC, ACC, and Big Ten Realignment - HUGE CFB Realignment Update

[@Alan-lv9rw]

ESPN killed the Big East.

[@MaskedKillaJay]

ESPN and SEC also killed the PAC-12 technically, After putting big-12 in all out mode

[@RyanDooley55]

The greed of the power two will be the downfall of college football.

[@tdfsu1]

WILL BE? 😂

[@gregnelson1330]

They say it's all espn's doing! It would be hugely negative to the Big 12, which would be espn typical behavior.

[@johnhawkes4048]

@@RyanDooley55 NOT

[@RyanDooley55]

@@johnhawkes4048 I can’t argue with this logic

[@jackc5250]

ESPN is ruining cfb

[@chriswaller6859]

As FSU Alum, I hope they don't get lumped into the SEC. Regionally, I used to hope for that, but the SECs behavior and arrogance makes me want FSU, and anyone else not in the SEC now, to go to the B1G and destroy the SEC when they play.

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

No AAU membership, no B1G invite.

[@seminoldschool7032]

Exactly! I want ZERO part of the eSECpn…B1G me please. 😂😂get ready for all the “you need to be AAU certified” comments from all the idiots who don’t know fsu is up for AAU certification within the next 18 months

[@chriswaller6859]

@@psychopathyoutubeemployees280 That's actually funny, since last year FSU met all the qualifications, but was overlooked for South Florida. it will happen soon though.

[@josephcernansky1794]

@@psychopathyoutubeemployees280 NOT true.....NEVER was....NEVER will be. Being a State Flagship? YES....Co-Flagship? Sure, if all other factors considered valuable. Besides, FSU is working toward that AAU Membership soon enough anyway. Why and How Miami received an invite is beyond me.

[@davidbrown386]

It is entirely possible FSU can get 17 votes ( Big 10 members) towards AAU membership.

[@adangbe]

North Carolina would be a better fit for the BIG10. Academics, sports, and market.

[@brettaylor9098]

Thanks for saying it openly. ESPN and Fox will tell SEC and B1G which teams each conference will take. The SEC will take whomever ESPN tells them to take. Same with B1G and Fox. Money drives the train. ESPN anbd Fox have the money.

[@ChrisSadowski-pp1np]

No AAU no BIG. The presidents decide these things.

[@terrencenewman5580]

@@ChrisSadowski-pp1np the president’s will do what the people who give them money tell them to do. They’re not gonna tell the people who give their conference almost 80 million a year no.

[@ChrisSadowski-pp1np]

@terrencenewman5580 they haven't yet added a non AAU school so you can think what you want.

[@terrencenewman5580]

@@ChrisSadowski-pp1np Dude Nebraska isn’t AAU anymore and I don’t hear anyone talking about kicking them out the conference.

[@ChrisSadowski-pp1np]

@@terrencenewman5580 when they were admitted they were AAU though.

[@davidfloyd9134]

The second UNC leaves others will follow. Either to the Big10, SEC or Big12

[@scottyking7161]

@@davidfloyd9134 not without invites

[@jamesosteen4280]

Poor leadership has killed the ACC .

[@brandongilligan6893]

These clowns didn't even say the words big 12. There is no way the big 12 would stand pat.

[@scottyking7161]

@brandongilligan6893 because the confrences have no leverage. Its what the networks decide. If fox and espn want tulane and Memphis in the X12 they will be. If they want them in the ACC they will be. If they want only 4 schools from ACC to split 2 to the B1G and 2 to the SEC and say add these G5s and nobody else goes to the X12 at all because we have their linear coverage at a great deal. Then it's tough shit for Brett yormark. The networks tell the president's whats going to be!

[@Luigi22Green]

@brandongilligan6893they will do the same thing they have been doing, targeting big markets and historical teams, I would imagine teams like Pitt, Louisville would be the two front runners imo, I also could see Syracuse, Cal and Stanford along with maybe SMU if they gave up revenue rights

[@bobswanger7623]

Awesome show guys. My opinion. If the ACC loses those 6 schools. They are no longer a power conference.

[@tarheel7406]

Then the BIG12 isn't now after losing its top 6.

[@bobswanger7623]

​@@tarheel7406 Didn't say anything about the Big 12. Don't understand what you mean.

[@tarheel7406]

@@bobswanger7623 Just being consistent. If the new BIG12 is [not] a power conference, why does it get an autobid?

[@bobswanger7623]

@@tarheel7406 Actually with your way of thinking. There is only a Power 2. So, nobody outside the of SEC or B1G should get an auto bid.

[@PCSPounder]

@@bobswanger7623 There are a lot of b12 “salesmen” prone to warping a conversation around their perceived relevance. It’s encouraged a lot of fans to not appreciate their presence. Try not to get too burdened by us.

[@jonm4501]

The college presidents have pretty much seeded authority and leadership of college football to ESPN. The leadership vacuum is damning. Can you imagine the NFL operating this way?

[@PCSPounder]

You really think the NFL dictates to the networks?

[@jonm4501]

@@PCSPounder Dictate, mostly Yes. Do you think CBS, Fox, NBC are happy with games on the NFL network, Amazon and Netflix?

[@PCSPounder]

@@jonm4501 You realize the networks have been making alliances with the streamers, right? Do recognize that the NFL has generally been media-friendly in the first place. Mostly Sunday games, big ratings, waited longer than most to raise ticket prices which improves the stadium (and thus broadcast) atmosphere, even rule changes. The NFL has thrived as much by listening to their “partners” as anything.

[@juicyfartsofjimcornette1154]

@@PCSPounder - You are a real moron if you think those piece of shit networks has THAT much influence over the NFL!

[@jonm4501]

@@PCSPounder duh, Yes of course, and the NFL has led this.

[@IrishOphidia]

Here’s a wild thought. How wild would it be for ND to join the ACC and bring their NBC/Peacock contract with them and save the ACC and compete against ESPN.

[@JoshRowe-f6k]

They would have done it by now if they were interested in saving the ACC.

[@xfacta334]

Already happened. FSU brought this up last spring since ND was allowed to demand the addition of Stan & Cal against everybody's wishes.....ND said No thanks, they would never entertain joining the ACC as a full member.

[@IrishOphidia]

@ well it hasn’t happened and ND isn’t entertaining any membership right now, but that’s going to quickly come to an end when realignments don’t allow for ND to be scheduled on anybody’s schedule. ND will join a conference once they have no other options. The question is how will that look. Currently, there has been no incentive for ND to join.

[@midnightmagicmusings352]

As a Liberty fan, I suppose the best we can hope for is an invite to the AAC if this all happens? Yay, I guess.

[@webmoore4353]

This blatant carving up by TV networks is sickening

[@booster222jc]

I think the B10 would actually like to take FSU and Clemson if both agree to commit to getting AAU status.

[@michaelgraalum381]

Not a chance. Zero.

[@crayonwriter]

@@booster222jc FSU is literally too stupid to be approved for AAU, it's a fuckin party school. Grades are pathetic.

[@immaculate5784]

Yes, Petitti would focus on particulars that the sports conference likes. As he presents those to the Presidents though, they are going to begin to have their say in whom they would like to be brought in as peers and partners in everything the B1G does. ND, FSU and Miami as potentials? Sure, obvious why the conference would focus on them but as the conversation shifts to the Presidents, do not be shocked if you start hearing the name of Georgia Tech being brought up.

[@Conundrum-cy5oe]

ND, Miami, Stanford, and Cal makes a nice package, too?

[@immaculate5784]

@ Yeah, I could easily see that get Presidential approval.

[@Awalker5000]

@@Conundrum-cy5oe Stanford with Cal. makes sense for the B1G with UCLA, USC, Washington and Oregon.

[@timbruchmiller1042]

You left out Stanford

[@immaculate5784]

@@timbruchmiller1042 For me personally, I list Stanford to the B1G as completely conditional upon Notre Dame joining fully.

[@leewilliam236]

To answer your question about Tulane, it's located just north of the MS River, so technically you could lump them as being East of the MS River and if you walk across it, you would be West of the MS River.

[@brandonh5360]

USF, Memphis, and Tulane are well deserved promotions

[@mike111777]

usf?! LOL

[@brandonh5360]

@ yes. They are making crazy facility investments and have been consistently the best G5 in attendance and recruiting. Large market as well. I remember them from the Big East

[@scottyking7161]

@@mike111777 they are an R1 institution that has AAU Status and former BCS school.

[@mike111777]

​@@scottyking7161 If you think the Big 10 or SEC would add usf for academics, winning, brand recognition, facilities and fanbase you are way off the charts delusional. usf is so far down the list of candidates it's pathetic to think they have a chance. The current AAU members not in the Big 10 or SEC include: Arizona, Arizona St, Kansas, Virginia, Colorado, Utah, Duke, Pittsburgh and Miami. They would ALL get the call before you. Also doesn't that stadium you keep delaying to build because of a lack of funding only planned to hold 35,000? lol You missed the boat years ago. It's the G5 life for you now with Rice, Charlotte and North Texas. A conference you still can't seem to win even when it's watered down.

[@jacenkun2931]

Bigten Yeah, I heard the Florida schools, but I also heard Georgia Tech because they got Atlanta TV market and the recruits that get out of Georgia and Again the BIG GET the Atlanta TV eyeballs to the Big ten...

[@chuckwest7045]

TV markets are overrated now that it's possible to stream games. No one in Atlanta cares about Georgia Tech.

[@Heel_Yeah]

Great episode guys!

[@cedricbelleblazerfan]

UAB has been so horrible lately that we’ll not even be an option, but oddly our academics may be a driver with Birmingham.

[@patrickstone6481]

I’m tired of the networks force feeding us the Big10, and SEC.I’d rather watch G5, and FCS. I refuse to watch the cartel conferences.

[@CouzsCornerSports]

Why would UConn not be on your list of potential six schools to the ACC?

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

Cause they are idiots to think James Madison would be taken over UConn and Temple. Of course, Boston College doesn't want UConn, but who knows how much influence the Eagles have these days.

[@jamesosteen4280]

Unconnected would be a great member

[@jamesosteen4280]

Dang auto correct UConn would be fantastic for the acc

[@xfacta334]

Because UConn has a handshake deal with the Big 12 already....just waiting on Louisville, VTech, Pitt and Cuse to get free to give Yormark his Eastern wing on a platter.

[@cedricbelleblazerfan]

I wonder how the new AAC would look like, since most would go to the ACC.

[@jameshardesty5247]

Great info, clear, concise, and no loose ends or irrelevant/extraneous material. Great job fellas.

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Thank you. That’s what we strive for.

[@AntonioBaker-zk8zu]

As a Florida State football fan, but also a North Carolina basketball fan who’s from North Carolina I hope the Big Ten gets North Carolina Bill Belichick and the Big Ten would be wonderful. Same with Florida State, Duke and Clemson and Miami.

[@davidfloyd9134]

If 4 to 6 schools leave the Acc, the rest will join the Big12

[@TXM33]

Interesting how history repeats. The SOCON was a mega power conference in the 1920’s then split up in 1932 when the top athletic programs departed and formed the SEC. Other major programs decided to leave the SOCON and established the ACC. Perhaps these mega power conferences will eventually implode also. The ridiculous buyout to exit a conference does make it difficult for a program to leave.

[@datopdawg01]

Agreed. The fact that no one involved even sees this is just astounding to me. The two conferences that split off from the SOCON are in the same position as the Southern Conference of the first half of the last century, and that ESPN wants the SEC to become even bigger is nuts.

[@LoCoVANole]

LOL - ESPN knows too well that opting in to an extension buys them an antitrust lawsuit.

[@midwestboxing4415]

Ain't no way, the BIG10 Letting FSU, Clemson, North Carolina all go to the SEC. Sounds like SEC propaganda to me

[@WarHog38KCS]

Just like the B1G wanted Texas & Oklahoma. What did the B1G do about that?

[@midwestboxing4415]

@WarHog38KCS Big10 could've been had Texas or Oklahoma years before, stop being a groupie

[@WarHog38KCS]

@@midwestboxing4415 No more a groupie than you with your all powerful B1G. When exactly could the B1G have had Texas & Oklahoma years before? I think you are thinking about the PAC in 2012. Texas had wanted to go west since the late 1970's with Deloss Dodds. However never heard nothing about Texas wanting the rust belt.

[@xfacta334]

The B1G primary goal here is to finally catch Notre Dame. Miami is a lock already. ND will be bringing Stanford with them. UNC comes with NCst & likely Duke too....off the board. They never looked at Clemson. And ESPN controls FSU's destiny right now....business is business.

[@michaelgraalum381]

@@WarHog38KCS the BIG 10 could offer Texas a spot tonight and they'd sign the deal by morning.

[@thundercleetz]

I understand the incentive for ESPN to move 2-4 ACC schools to the SEC, but under what scenario would ESPN let Miami or FSU, much less GTech, go to Fox/CBS/NBC with the B1G? As you said, ESPN essentially owns the media rights for those schools at a discount. If the SEC and B1G are to sync up, it seems much more realistic ESPN pushes FSU and Clemson to the SEC, both conferences stay at 18 with 8 conference games and 2 crossover games. Then when the GoR expires in the 2030s maybe there is movement to get both conferences to 20.

[@davidbrown386]

ESPN let Oregon and Washington go to the Big 10. If FSU prefers the Big 10 and the SEC does not want Miami they can both go Big 10

[@thundercleetz]

@ ​​⁠the PAC-12 GoR had expired. Didn’t cost them anything exit fee or penalty to break the GoR like it would with any ACC school who wanted to leave. This amount would be in the hundreds of millions. Maybe FSU can afford it 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RooseveltAnderson]

The top replacement for the ACC would be UConn not USF, Memphis or Tulane. There is no way the remaining powerbrokers in the ACC would allow ECU, App St. or JMU to join.

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

I wonder how much influence Boston College has these days since they hate UConn?

[@brandonh5360]

Incorrect. USF, Memphis, and Tulane are too wealthy and are located in large markets to not be included.

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

@@brandonh5360 - Plus, SMU really needs their rivalries with Tulane and Memphis back. Also, South Florida keeps them in Florida in case they lose both Florida State AND the Hurricanes.

[@RooseveltAnderson]

@@brandonh5360 Wealthy compared to who? If USF and Memphis were added, they would be by far the poorest schools in the conference. Tulane would be somewhere in the middle. With Florida State, Miami and UNC gone, the schools that would be making the decisions would be the same ones who wanted Cal and Stanford for the academic prestige.

[@seminoldschool7032]

I agree UConn would make more sense

[@terrencenewman5580]

If I had to make a wild speculation I would predict that in 10 years both the BIG 10 and SEC will be at 20 schools each. FSU and Miami to the BIG 10. UNC, Clemson, Virginia, and Kansas to the SEC. Why Kansas? The SEC is the only power conference where the states are contiguous(they all share a border). I don’t think they would grab some school in the west or north on an island by themselves which limits the schools they would consider. Missouri is the only SEC school without a natural rival. Kansas would fill that void. There’s no schools still available that would boost football for the SEC more then Bama, LSU, and UGA already do but with the SEC’s new found interest in being a good basketball conference, adding UNC and Kansas to go along with Kentucky would give the SEC three of the bluest blue bloods in college basketball history.

[@michaelgraalum381]

The big 10 takes UVA and UNC over FSU and Miami ten times out of ten.

[@Shansman]

Thank you for the information. I hate that ESPN is driving this stuff. I dislike them even more and shows their meddling and interference in the sport.

[@timbruchmiller1042]

If FSU, Miami, Clemson, UNc, Ncstate, & UVA all leave, I guarantee; Ga Tech, Va Tech, Louisville & Pitt will go to the B12 even if ND wants to stay independent; B12 could even go to 24 by adding UConn, Syracuse, Stanford & Cal!!

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

And then we get to watch that conference become the new Western Athletic Conference of 1996-97 to 1998-99 due to the MONEY BEING SPLIT 24 WAYS!

[@tarheel7406]

Why consolidate into an even less relevant Tier 2?

[@seminoldschool7032]

If those teams did all go to the Big12 it would instantly make the Big12 conference awesome

[@stischer47]

@@tarheel7406 Because the ACC will be Tier 4

[@DvsBen]

ACC would be more likely to poach WVU, Cincinnati, and UCF to go along with Memphis, Tulane, USF. That would get them back to 17. Figure they'd aim to reach 20 too. You can then see additions of Wazzu, Oregon St, and UNLV or SD State to get a West Coast pod. Big 12 would then have 3 spots to fill which would be Boise State, Fresno St, and whoever is left from SD St and UNLV. If the B12 wanted to get to 20 they'd have to get scraps in the East such as UConn, East Carolina, etc.

[@davidfloyd9134]

Big10 needs into Texas

[@ChicagoBenAnderson]

No we do not

[@nickkelso3444]

TCU focused on B1G membership

[@ChicagoBenAnderson]

@ but the B1G isn’t focused on them. 1. Not an AAU member. 2. Notre Dame is the only religious institution that will get a B1G invite. I don’t think people understand how important the title “Public Ivy schools” means to B1G universities and their graduates. SEC sports mean more, B1G research money means even more, 10B dollars more

[@KurtJohn3]

From my understanding, Notre Dame Made approximately $95mil for the CFB TV contract, ACC TV Contract, and CFB Playoff money. Per my understanding, NBC would make $115m from a BigTen Contract.

[@davidfloyd9134]

NCST is not worth much. They are not even a top 5 candidate for the Big12

[@Heel_Yeah]

Any idea the interest or value in Duke? Do they go the Big 12 route or independent in the Big East like UConn? I only care to protect the UNC-Duke rivalry.

[@Expansion_Crush]

How would a big ten source know anything about and SEC/ACC/ESPN deal?

[@xfacta334]

Because they're all working together to make this thing happen.....

[@aaronh5716]

Great episode. In general, you two do an excellent job. Appreciate all the work you put in.

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Thanks for listening.

[@jeh58]

I don't like the idea of four auto bids for the P2. I like the 5 highest ranked conference winners the after that go for the higher ranking in the CFP. If the P2 want to break away then EFF them.

[@JohnMandock]

Scrub conferences don't need to get an automatic bed. They play a bad schedule. I don't wanna hear about it.If boise st. Was in the big 10 for the sec. Last year they would have had at least four losses.

[@jeh58]

@@JohnMandock So what, like I said Eff the P2. The media is the cause of tearing up conferences & centralizing the teams they want. The NFL is the most successful league, there it is the conference winners & then the wild cards. Doesn't matter if the Rams, Cowboys, Giants or Bears are a four win team or a twelve win team. Even though the have the TV sets it who ever wins their conferences that matter. Why not learn from the league that has the most success?

[@TerrillPetersen20]

ECU, App St, and JMU getting promoted to P4 over Oregon State & Washington State would be absolutely wild.

[@dariuswhitaker2407]

@@TerrillPetersen20 just alot of travel tbh for the athletes. Like i wish cal and stanford went either independent or to the big 10 to help the travel for UCLA, USC, Washington and ORE

[@Awalker5000]

@@dariuswhitaker2407 Washington and Oregon's travel costs are paid by the FOX Network over their deal of moving over to the B1G. UCLA and USC have no travel costs deal but they have a larger B1G Conference Share compared to Washington and Oregon. But I am hearing, UCLA's athletic budget is taking a HUGE hit and its hurting overall school budget and I am also hearing UCLA Admin. is not too happy moving to the B1G conference.

[@dariuswhitaker2407]

@ okay good info

[@Awalker5000]

Its the travel aspect of it. Washington St. and Oregon St. will have to travel basically every weekend to the East Coast like Stanford and Cal. and I am pretty sure, those student athletes hate it traveling every few days.

[@georgeburns1561]

@@Awalker5000 Hearing that from whom? I don't want a name, but is it someone who works in the admin at the University?

[@ABQREDorGREEN]

Soon college football will be unwatchable. I haven't watched an SEC or Big 10 game that doesn't have a G5 team in the game like 5 years.

[@seminoldschool7032]

…could not agree more💯🎯

[@davidb3422]

I think if ESPN takes select teams out of the ACC, the ACC will sue them.

[@stischer47]

Then ESPN does not extend the contract and the ACC will die.

[@tylernelson3343]

Remember that ESPN doesn’t have a deal with the Big Ten

[@ryanr9299]

Once the ACC dissolves I would actually only like to see eight teams in the CFP.. I would like to see a 3rd and 4th place game too on conference championship weekend with the Big 10 SEC and Big 12...

[@tarheel7406]

If the ACC dissolves, the then BIG12 would be irrelevant.

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

@@tarheel7406 - That would be you.

[@tarheel7406]

@@psychopathyoutubeemployees280 You will have to do better.

[@luckuania8723]

​@@psychopathyoutubeemployees280tbf, if the ACC dissolves it's because of UNC, FSU, Clemson, Miami and the like leaving for the SEC or B1G. That's just the reality. So UNC would still be relevant. And tbh idgaf about UNC or North Carolina. Realignment is just wildly entertaining. Lol.

[@MikeJohnson-cp5if]

@@tarheel7406 Nope. The ACC is collapsing.

[@DaveTookOver]

Hopefully in 2026 the national championship will come back to network television

[@leewilliam236]

Surprised the 4 Corner Schools in Big 12 (Utah, Colorado, Arizona State, and Arizona) aren't mentioned as targets for the B1G. All 4 are AAU members and are located in some of the biggest TV Markets in the country (Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City)

[@terencebaca1990]

Correction: Arizona is located in a very small TV market. Tucson is a small city. Granted Arizona has a good basketball brand. Basketball does not move the needle with media partners.

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

We do not believe the BIG has plans to expand unless an opportunity in Florida presents itself.

[@terencebaca1990]

@ Most likely outcome: 2027 Phase 1 of the CFB Super League w/ member schools free to negotiate their own TV deals: - Florida State - Clemson - Miami - North Carolina - SMU - Virginia - Stanford - Cal - Scheduling agreement w/Notre Dame

[@davidbrown386]

Steve you do not think ASU ( Phoenix TV Market) and Colorado ( Denver) would be good for the PAC schools?

[@TheFranchiseCA]

The Big Ten has no interest in adding programs that don't increase media payouts per school. None of these programs would.

[@jesserp23]

What happens with Stanford and Cal. What’s going on with the reconstruction of the Pac 12

[@jasonpayne5656]

Are you telling me that each Big 10 school gets 80 to 100 million dollars on their media deal, 6 home games where they bring in "millions" per game and they're STILL operating at a deficit unless they get that 7th home game?

[@jonm4501]

I would say a home game is worth more like $10 million and makes the home fans happy! Those home games are like gold.

[@arecizzle]

UCLA has the most athletic department debt.

[@davidbrown386]

Cal has even more

[@TheLEMRR]

Aside from Men’s BB, just about every other sport in an athletic department operates in the red.

[@waynebennett745]

A few comments/questions: 1 - WHEN does your source thinks this happens? 2 - SEC teams: NC - yes, NCState - no (NC doesn't want them either), FSU - no, Clemson - possibly, Va. - yes, Duke - maybe (good bb pairing with NC), VT - would be a good matchup for TA&M B1G teams: ND (Are they even considered ACC?) *IF, as you said, ND is going to B1G sometime, then the SEC WOULD HAVE to have a team available to keep the conf. #'s identical. **There has been talk of SEC grabbing B12 school(s) as well. 3 - SEC/B1G games: would ALL of 1 conf. be the H team or would they go 1/2 & 1/2? This also has to work with the 4 SEC schools with ACC in-state rivals as those games won't be tossed to the side. 4 - would the scheduling format for both confs. also be identical...or just cg #'s? 5 - I know several SEC schools prefer 7H games/season as well.

[@luckuania8723]

Great show! Appreciate the content and info.

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Our pleasure!

[@calebward9284]

I’m getting so tired of ESPN messing with conference alignment.

[@al73r3g0]

What about Fox? You good with what they did to the Pac?

[@vistatiger7493]

Seems like UNC,NCState, UVa and Clemson to the SEC and FSU and Miami to the Big 10 would make more sense. That would give both conferences 20 teams each.

[@nickkelso3444]

Virginia might have a Hokie backpack and probably not as far along in the process as the Carolina schools. If fsu goes to big ten, I would bet Duke would found out that group of four (UNC, NC St, Clemson, Duke)

[@JohnDry-d7z]

I see the B12 taking at least 3 to 5 schools too plus UConn if the B12 gets an odd number of ACC schools. Since the B12 has their deals with Fox, and ESPN.

[@terryfox9344]

I'm totally against 4 AQ's for anyone. Heck, I'm against 2 AQ's for anyone. If you're good enough, you'll get selected. If not, you won't.

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Totally understandable. But they want as much power as they can get.

[@gabrielsoliz8563]

If they were to do it they would've done it already. So these AQ's are a bargaining chip for the B1G and SEC to control everything.

[@briggsofdisaster]

See you soon Notre Dame! I am inevitable. All in due time. Sincerely, The Big Ten

[@Will-dt5kh]

What’s up with Memphis?

[@CrimsonCuda]

JY, what conference/team shirt are you wearing today?

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

My day job shit. I support them. 😉

[@jerodjohnson7240]

aww poor babies , So basically the SEC and ESPN got butthurt this year and were showed they aint nothing, so they are working on a way to make it so they get automatic bids and chances to win a title. Basically Rigging the game. People need to wake up an call this BS out.

[@ryanthomas887]

A couple things. The states of NC and VA are not letting UNC and UVA leave unless VT and NCST are not in a worse off position than the status quo. FSU, UNC, Clemson, and Miami leaving would gut the ACC of its TV value and leave VT and NCST worse off. The only way this works is if those two go to the Big 12 where they would make equivalent money to what they get now. Louisville is not sticking around either and will join them with another ACC school. If this goes down the ACC is losing 10 members.

[@joe_zeay]

w/o Unc Espn not interested in any of this though

[@thatcollegefootballguy]

If the ACC lost 6 schools, they would only need to add 3 since they already added Stanford, Cal and SMU. There is definitely a preferred list. But third place is a tie since there is a split vote on which should get in: #1 South Florida #2 Tulane #3 Memphis/UConn It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the next few days.

[@waynebottomley3407]

Would UConn also make sense in the ACC? Would any Big XII schools move?

[@stischer47]

Perhaps Utah, but who wants them?

[@larryobrien2694]

screw ESPN................ time for the nation's FANS TO REVOLT

[@jackmatheson4671]

Great discussion!

[@Awalker5000]

This is just a Wow!!! Incredible!!! Lots of questions on this, and how does the BIG12 fit into all this??

[@dariuswhitaker2407]

@@Awalker5000 what if the leftover ACC and big 12 merge😂😂. I think some of these conferences may have to merge because the SEC and Big 10 is getting ridiculous

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Yep. Hottest info we have ever dropped.

[@Awalker5000]

@@dariuswhitaker2407 No kidding!!!

[@twomasta]

August 1 is an important date. Cloak and dagger

[@sctexan5392]

Reading some of these comments reminds me of a line from the Band of Brothers in which a leader basically said the reason the soldiers are afraid, is that they think they're going to live. College football as we all knew it is dead, or dying . It is time to accept it, it's a business and will soon be very much like any professional sport. Just accept it. It's time for the players to sign contracts, eliminating the transfer portal, and NIL as it has evolved - no more pay to play. If a player wants to do commercials, more power to them, it should have very little to do with the 3 year contract you signed.

[@JamesWillmert]

Notre Dame is part of the Big Ten for men’s ice hockey

[@patrickwdoyle]

Rice to the ACC WAY before east Carolina, app state or James Madison

[@NOLES-wm3ly]

The primary reason FSU isn’t an AAU member is there is no on campus hospital & there’s no where to put one. The B1G will let it slide. FSU has a high academic standing & more importantly high tv ratings.😊

[@phonehome4733]

1) FSU to the B1G doesn't work without others in their region, IMO. Likewise, Miami. 2) I'm against adding anybody at this point. I like the idea of being able to play through the conference over a two-year period.

[@arronfrazier7873]

FSU and Miami makes as much sense as USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon to the B10! Miami and FSU are both EST teams! Just like adding USC and UCLA gave the B10 the 1# populated state, the adding of Miami and FSU, it would give the B10 3#populated state in SEC country! Miami and FSU are national football brands!

[@rayrayrivers6135]

Memphis, USF, U Conn and Tulane to the ACC! Those would be great replacements.

[@scottofgreywaterwatch1298]

If Duke is a free agent I would think the Big 12 and Big East would go after them. Louisville too. Why would the remaining schools stay in the ACC? The Big East has a great TV deal, and is dedicated to hoops. Syracuse would love that too.

[@tarheel7406]

The BIG12 is already a Tier 2 and too big for that status. No reason for the P5 remainders to consolidate in the then even more irrelevant BIG12.

[@christophertaylor1575]

Disagree and time will tell​@@tarheel7406

[@MikeJohnson-cp5if]

@@tarheel7406 ACC is already tier-3!

[@hcopenhagenh]

Not sure how anyone thinks the playoffs were a success. The ratings said otherwise.

[@webmoore4353]

A 16-20 team conference with 4 guaranteed playoff spots should have a 10 game season! matter

[@rangersking6699]

This screams ACC suing espn if espn actually does what you are saying here

[@stischer47]

Then ESPN doesn't extend the contract and the ACC is dead.

[@rangersking6699]

@ not if a court of law says ESPN has to pay the ACC hundreds of millions in damages for tortious interference

[@robertstwocents]

I think the big 12 would take some ACC teams too.

[@reverend_wintondupree]

31:01 Wouldn't Army/Navy be more desirable than ECU, App St, or JMU to the ACC leftovers?

[@josephwilliford2474]

Belichek will be gone before they can before

[@Crusaderressurrected]

When is there going to be some litigation against everything that has been happening in college football with conference realignment and NIL etc.

[@KevinSuggs-cy8xe]

As a SEC fan I like ESPN moving UNC, NC State, FSU, and Clemson over!

[@fsujd]

My belief is no one is going anywhere at this time. 2030 would be the next opportunity with TV contracts. And a Big 10 source knows all about SEC, ACC, ESPN dealings? Nah.

[@terencebaca1990]

Someone explain to me how this is not the best business option for FSU/CU/Miami/NC/NC State: These schools bolt to form a new conference from scratch. The new conference would allow member schools to sign their own media contracts with media companies in the market. No equal revenue sharing in this conference. It will grow because blueblood schools will be very attracted to a conference that allows top brands to maximize their TV revenue. The new conference will eventually grow into a 32-40 team Super League.

[@PCSPounder]

Anything you can do, the big schools can do better. Besides, any notion that you can get networks to pay for this as opposed to what they currently pay for (or could consolidate themselves) is cute. TV runs sports.

[@terencebaca1990]

@ Yes, TV runs sports. The cable bundle is collapsing, and streaming companies are failing to make any profit. The demand for sports content is booming because media companies are struggling without sports. It’s an ideal environment for big CFB brands like FSU, Clemson, Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Penn State, etc. The big CFB brands could easily maximize TV revenue by signing their own TV contracts with media companies in the market, just as Notre Dame does. That is why FSU/CU/ Miami/NC would be wise to bolt the ACC and form a new conference from scratch that allows member schools to sign their own TV contracts. The new conference would eventually attract every top brand in CFB. It would evolve into the 32-40 team Super League with member schools free to maximize their TV revenue.

[@PCSPounder]

@ Nah, ESPN will just spin off Bama and Georgia and friends and beat you at this game. Or something similar. The other part of this point is that there’s only two networks that want to spend big money on college sports. Maybe one of your listed schools actually gets paid because of a lack of payers.

[@terencebaca1990]

@@PCSPounder Are you kidding? There are many media companies in the market desperate for content from the most valuable brands in CFB. Notre Dame is proof that top brands can sign huge TV deals. Look at all the media companies in the market desperate for sports content: - ESPN - FOX - WBD - CBS - NBC - Amazon - Netflix - CW With so many media companies in the market driving up prices for sports content, just imagine the TV deals that could be signed by big brands like Ohio State, Michigan, FSU, Clemson, NC, Miami, USC, Oregon, etc. Those brands could make far more TV revenue than in their current conferences that require equal revenue sharing with small brands.

[@michaelgraalum381]

No big 10 school is leaving the academic Big 10

[@joshgrothues7871]

One g6 spot for 6 conferences while the sec and big 10 get 4 autos each! THAT IS EFFIN STUPID! They are monopolizing college football!

[@philstamper4542]

Problem with those lower tier games nobody wants to watch it or go to the stadium to watch Ohio State play Marshall or Akron. I don’t wanna see that.

[@dfausti66]

I won't be signing up for ESPN anytime soon. There is nothing worth watching that cannot be found on KZbin.

[@terryfox9344]

"NBC wants better games from Notre Dame". Oh, really? NBC's contract with Notre Dame specifies that NBC chooses1 of Notre Dame's home games to BLACK OUT. (No broadcast on NBC anywhere!) NBC's choices were between teams that were: 9-4, 9-5, 8-5, 5-7, 3-9, and 2-10. Which opponent did NBC refuse to broadcast? the school that went 9-4! It doesn't matter which games that you give NBC to choose from, they will always pick the worst one. They need to look in a mirror to find their problem.

[@JohnMandock]

Notre Dame meets the schedule better. I'm tired of all the stiffs they play in the. Regular season.

[@CraigBernier]

BIG needs to get in and fight for UNC rather than settle for FSU

[@toddwebb7521]

Notre Dame might want Stanford as a tag along if they go to the B1G

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Could. Stanford has the perceived prestige.

[@davidbrown386]

ND might pick fellow Catholic school BC instead of Stanford. Why? 1: They play Stanford so they can go to California every year. UCLA could fill that role. 2: BC does make sense because of TV market and hockey.

[@xfacta334]

@@davidbrown386 ND doesn't care about BC. Stanford (and Cal) is in the ACC today because ND said so. They also play USC (their main rival right now) every year too so that Stanford connection is built on alot more than just "getting into California".

[@michaelgraalum381]

@@davidbrown386 Notre Dame can make demands in the ACC where they are a big fish, they'll get shown the door in the Big 10 for that.

[@davidfloyd9134]

Let’s be honest. Big12 isn’t that far off from the SEC. Hmm Texas vs ASU.

[@webmoore4353]

Why would Big Ten go along with this?!?! Would love to see FSU+Miami join

[@kennyevans1320]

Why would acc not want WV..good rivalries would bring eyeballs

[@tarheel7406]

Low value, poor cultural fit.

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

Probably because the Big "can't count past" 12 has a BETTER CONTRACT than the ACC for why West Virginia won't join.

[@tarheel7406]

@@psychopathyoutubeemployees280 Nope

[@seminoldschool7032]

WV would he a no brainer💯✅

[@christophertaylor1575]

At this point why would WVU want to go the ACC.

[@webmoore4353]

B1G + SEC - need to play 10 conference games and not crossover if getting 4 spots. Also if any bit of this grounded in reality, you are going to get your contact fired!

[@sumdude4281]

I'm shocked Virginia didn't come up as a B1G. My understanding NC and UV was what they were looking at.

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Steve brought up Virginia

[@sumdude4281]

@@TheBigMountainPodcast thought he said to ACC, sorry.

[@Scott-s2f8p]

NIU and Toledo make more sense than JMU and APP St. You are still Virginia and North Carolina with 3/4 schools but you aren't in Ohio or Illinois. Plus NIU and Toledo played at the FBS level longer. Brands are better known.

[@brandonh5360]

When would this realignment take place? In 2025 or is it later?

[@TheBigMountainPodcast]

Steve believes this is Billicheck based. UNC/NCST is sooner than later.

[@Josh1888USU]

I think the ACC would go after UConn before they go for ECU, App State or JMU. They might even have the sway to poach a West Virginia since they are out on an island in the B12. I also wouldn't discount the B12 at making some moves to screw the ACC. Watch for the B12 to send invites to Memphis, Tulane and USF before the ACC does. What the hell would the ACC do then?

[@lewishenry8526]

ACC wouldn't be interested in UCONN? Seems like they would be a top target.

[@johnferguson5679]

Y’all left UCONN & Temple off of the ACC backfills. They’d be ahead of App State & JMU.