ACC football best fit for every team in conference realignment in the Big Ten and SEC (2024)

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Best fit: SEC

If conference realignment took the ACC by storm, there’s no doubt that the Tigers would end up in the SEC. It’s a perfect fit for both Clemson and the SEC as each would increase in value with the addition of the Tigers to the conference. Clemson also has a long history with multiple SEC programs, meaning built-in rivalries are ready to go.

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Best fit: SEC

If you couldn’t tell, the Seminoles want out of the ACC. Like Clemson, the Seminoles are an ideal fit for the SEC. Another top-tie program in the south that can elevate the prestige of the conference as well as themselves. It just makes sense.

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Best fit: Big Ten

If conference realignment does hit the ACC hard, something has to give. The Hurricanes are another program that could fit right into the SEC, but there are only so many teams that can join a conference. I believe Miami would slip into the Big Ten, which would be an awesome snag for the conference.

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Best fit: SEC

Though it may not seem so, the Tar Heels are one of the top teams conferences will go after if the ACC goes under. The basketball program is as good as it comes, and the football program has a lot of potential. The SEC could tap into that football potential.

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Best fit: Big Ten

It kills me to say, but the Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry would be separated by conference. I don’t see a world where the Blue Devils end up in the SEC, but I could see the Big Ten jumping all over, adding a program like Duke that has a basketball program that good.

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Best fit: Big Ten

I’m not completely sure why, but the Wolfpack screams Big Ten to me. If UNC is heading over to the SEC, that would leave the Wolfpack heading to the Big Ten. It feels like a strong fit as this program is slowly on the rise and fits into the mold of Big Ten football pretty dang well.

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Best fit: SEC

Similar to how I feel about NC State, Louisville screams SEC for me. They’re an on-the-rise program, and the SEC makes sense as it would elevate the program drastically. Recruiting would be stellar for the Cardinals in the SEC with Jeff Brohm at the helm.

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Best fit: Big Ten

I’ve seen people throw the Panthers and the SEC around, but I disagree heavily there. From a feel perspective, Pitt feels like a Big Ten team. From a location perspective, they’re in a perfect location to join the conference. A lot of the younger crowd doesn’t know, but this program is historic and I feel that the history of this program and the Big Ten go hand in hand.

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Best fit: SEC

Assessing this one, I leaned a lot more in the middle than I expected. The Big Ten makes more sense than I thought, but I’m going with the SEC for the Hokies. A hard team to assess in general… I feel like the program is better than a lot of people act, but they’re also in the dumps right now.

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Best fit: Big Ten

This is a no-brainer. Syracuse and the Big Ten would be a dream fit for me. I love Syracuse in the ACC, but getting Orange football in the Big Ten could potentially help recruiting tremendously. Also, Syracuse basketball in the Big Ten would be wild.

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Best fit: Big Ten

I doubt conferences will be interested in this program, but location-wise, this one makes sense. Maybe the Big Ten could return the program to form?

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Best fit: Big Ten

Another program I don’t know how much interest teams will have in; you could make the case for both conferences. There are cases to be made for both conferences, but as an academic fit, UVA would be an awesome get for the Big Ten.

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Best fit: SEC

If you’re noticing a trend, there is one, and you’re right. The further down we go, the less and less likely one of these teams is going to the SEC or Big Ten. Georgia Tech has an outstanding history, but the past decade hasn’t been friendly. Location-wise with Atlanta, it would be the SEC if one of them were to take the shot.

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Best fit: SEC

There will be little to no interest in the Demon Deacons; the program simply doesn’t do much for a conference as good as either the SEC or Big Ten. If they have any pull with Dave Clawson at the helm, the SEC would be the better fit.

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Best fit: Big 12

I know we said Big Ten and SEC, but the final three programs, the newest to the ACC, are programs I see having a 0% chance of joining the SEC or Big Ten. While the two top conferences continue to expand, the Big 12 will do everything in their power to do the same. They’d consider a program like Stanford with their backs against the wall.

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Best fit: Big 12

Nothing different from Stanford here. I will say that Cal has a beautiful stadium, which is a draw in my eyes.

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Best fit: Big 12

SMU heads into the 2024 season with the best team of any of the new additions to the ACC, and it looks like they’ll be in the Top 25. I actually think they’re a strong fit for the Big 12.