Will The ACC Adopt A 10-Game Power Five Schedule? Conference Opposition Remains

Michael

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Post on Sep 21, 2025

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Will the ACC Adopt a 10-Game Power Five Schedule? Conference Opposition Remains

The future of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football schedule is a hot topic, with the possibility of a 10-game Power Five schedule facing significant headwinds. While some believe this change is crucial for the conference's competitiveness in the College Football Playoff (CFP) era, considerable opposition remains, raising questions about its feasibility. This article delves into the arguments for and against the proposed change, examining the potential impact on the ACC and its member institutions.

The Push for a 10-Game Power Five Schedule:

Proponents argue a 10-game Power Five schedule is essential to enhance the ACC's national profile and CFP chances. Currently, the ACC's scheduling model includes games against non-Power Five opponents, which some believe dilutes the strength of schedule compared to the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12. A shift to a predominantly Power Five schedule would lead to:

• Increased Strength of Schedule: More challenging games against top competition directly improve the ACC's overall strength of schedule rankings, a key factor in CFP selection.
• Higher Profile Games: More games against nationally ranked opponents would attract larger television audiences and boost the conference's revenue potential.
• Improved CFP Chances: A stronger strength of schedule translates to a better chance of an ACC team making the CFP, benefiting the conference's prestige and overall standing.

This proposed change mirrors similar moves within other Power Five conferences, further fueling the debate within the ACC. The success of these conferences in the CFP is a compelling argument for adopting a similar strategy.

The Opposition and Key Obstacles:

Despite the perceived advantages, considerable opposition exists within the ACC. Several key challenges hinder the adoption of a 10-game Power Five schedule:

• Loss of Revenue: Games against less prominent opponents often provide lucrative guarantees, crucial for smaller ACC programs. Dropping these games could lead to a significant financial shortfall.
• Scheduling Complexity: Negotiating 10 Power Five games annually presents logistical hurdles, requiring careful coordination among all member institutions. Finding suitable opponents and coordinating dates is a massive undertaking.
• Tradition and Rivalries: Many smaller conferences value their traditional rivalries and non-conference games which provide a strong sense of identity. Shifting to a 10-game Power Five model could sacrifice these treasured aspects of the college football season.
• Grant of Rights Agreement: The ACC's current media rights agreement plays a significant role in the decision. Negotiating new terms to accommodate a revised schedule will be a complicated process with significant financial implications.

What Happens Next? The Future of ACC Football Scheduling:

The debate over a 10-game Power Five schedule in the ACC highlights a critical juncture for the conference. The need to balance competitiveness with financial stability and preserving tradition is a complex equation. The coming months will likely see further discussions and negotiations, with the outcome significantly impacting the future landscape of ACC football. The success of the conference in the coming years will significantly hinge on the decisions made regarding scheduling. Will they opt for a more challenging path to CFP success, or prioritize the financial and traditional aspects of the current model? Only time will tell.

Further Reading:

• [Link to an article discussing the CFP selection process]
• [Link to an article analyzing the financial implications of college football scheduling]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the complex issue surrounding the potential adoption of a 10-game Power Five schedule in the ACC. The ongoing debate will undoubtedly shape the future of the conference and its competitiveness on the national stage. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.