Are we seeing the beginning of the end for the ACC? Maybe so. Florida State filed a lawsuit against the conference first, followed by Clemson on Tuesday. Things are getting worse, and it feels like it's only a matter of time before both schools leave and head to one of the new superconferences.
The Big Ten and SEC are likely destinations for these schools, but it remains to be seen where each ends up. If these schools leave, questions remain for the ACC, and one of those questions is where Virginia Tech ends up.
Stanford, SMU and the University of California will join the ACC next fall, while Florida State and Clemson also appear to be aiming to leave. Many believe these lawsuits mean the end of the ACC will come someday. FSU and Clemson are contesting the ACC's vesting through 2036, and Clemson is contesting the $140 million cost of exiting the ACC.
“Like Duke, the Hokies may choose to remain in the ACC if some of their heavyweights start making the jump and join the Big Ten or SEC, a source told 247 Sports this week. .It doesn't look like he has a chance of making it to the Big Ten.''A landing spot for Virginia Tech, which is not accredited by AAU. ”
– Brad Crawford, 247 Sports
It wouldn't be surprising if Virginia Tech remains in the ACC if Clemson and Florida State leave, and if that happens, you have to imagine the University of Miami exploring its options going forward. Wild card North Carolina and North Carolina State are also likely to begin building a framework for withdrawal. Virginia? It will be interesting to see what they decide.
The Big Ten and SEC will wait until the outcome of the Clemson and Florida lawsuits before beginning expansion negotiations with the two schools. As far as Virginia Tech goes, I have to guess, if they try to leave the ACC, they want to go to the SEC, which makes the most sense geographically, but I think Brad Clough I agree with Ford, the Big Ten means very little. If there's one thing we know, it's that Hokies fans will support a move to the SEC over anywhere else if they choose not to stay in the ACC.
