ACC Vetting Top Expansion Candidates With Possible Departures Looming

The ACC may be already planning to replace some programs

Just when we thought that the expansion discussions were over prior to the season after Stanford, Cal, and SMU joined the ACC it appears that the now bi-coastal conference is looking to add more programs.

The assumption isn't that they are trying to boost their numbers to be the first conference to hit 20, but more so that they can plan for the possible losses of programs. Over the past month or so, reports have indicated that programs such as Clemson and Florida State and possibly others are in the process of figuring out a way to leave the ACC due to their media rights deal that extends through 2036, with hopes of landing in either the SEC or the Big Ten.

Whether those two conferences which have already insisted that they don't have further interest in expanding jump at the opportunity to add any of these programs, the ACC has reportedly begun looking into other programs. According to media consultant Jim Williams, the ACC has begun looking into a handful of programs with a few standing out as the top candidates. 

Let's take a look at which programs may get the nod and what they bring to the table. Similar to the Pac-12 expansion era, I will be providing their media and academic rankings, while including their record in 2023 as the conference likely wants competitive programs. 

Tulsa

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TV Market rank: No. 62

Academic Ranking: No. 195 

2023 Record: 3-3

Right by Texas and residing in Oklahoma, Tulsa offers another program that is closer to the recent West Coast additions. Historically, they haven't been a consistent player at the Group of 5 level, but a conference boost can always help.  

UAB

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TV Market rank: No. 45

Academic Ranking: No. 142

2023 Record: 2-4

This would be quite the jump for a program that not too long ago got rid of its football program after 2014. However, since then, they've had three nine or more-win seasons and won three bowl games. Something they hadn't done once from 1996-2014.

 

USF

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TV Market rank: No. 13

Academic Ranking: No. 89

2023 Record: 3-3 

A program that has had some success, being ranked seven different times from 2007-2018. While they wouldn't make up the losses of the Florida school, they do get the ACC back in the Florida market. The program is also investing in itself in a big way by working on some future renovations.

ECU

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TV Market rank: No. 103

Academic Ranking: No. 195

2023 Record: 1-4

Residing in North Carolina, ECU is home to a very competitive program and a passionate fan base. However, since their jump to the American, they have been trying to find their footing, finishing above .500 just three times since 2014. 

Memphis

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TV Market rank: No. 52

Academic Ranking: No. 269

2023 Record: 4-1

Memphis always appeared to be a team on the outside looking in for Pac-12 and Big 12 expansion, but they now have their chance to get the nod. They are close enough to where they make sense geographically but also provide a new market and access to a recruiting hotbed. They have been ranked five times since 2014, and had a stretch where they were one of, if not the best Group Of 5 programs. They also are a basketball powerhouse, which could be something that the ACC loses if Duke or North Carolina bolt.

Tulane

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TV Market rank: No. 73

Academic Ranking: No. 50

2023 Record: 4-1

Tulane was viewed as a decent candidate for the Pac-12, but their distance from the West Coast appeared to be holding them back. However, when it comes to the ACC they are in a perfect spot, giving the conference access to New Orleans for events, and they also happen to be the best Group of 5 program right now. After being mediocre or even irrelevant since 1998 when they went 12-0, they have hit their stride. Last season they won the Cotton Bowl against USC, and this season they continue to look like they are ascending. They played Ole Miss very closely in their lone loss this season, and would likely be a team that's instantly competitive.