The best conference fit for each of the ACC’s ‘Magnificent 7’
The landscape of college athletics is changing in terms of teas moving conferences. With money being the big motive, we have already seen USC and UCLA announce a move to the Big Ten as well as Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC soon.
And now it appears as if the Atlantic Coast Conference is next up for changes.
Earlier in the week it was reported that seven ACC programs had explored the option of leaving the conference. The ‘Magnificent 7’ featured UNC, NC State, Miami, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia and Virginia Tech.
While things aren’t official, there’s momentum for changes in the conference with teams pursuing other options. The Big Ten and SEC come to mind right away for a lot of these programs. However, which conference is the ideal fit for the seven?
We took a look at each program and the ideal fit they would have with a conference.
Ideal landing spot: SEC
This one is pretty simple. Football rules everything and that’s especially the case for the Clemson Tigers as they are a favorite every year in the ACC and usually for the College Football Playoff.
A move to the SEC would be huge for both parties and seems like the likely option.
For more news on Clemson, check out Clemson Wire.
Ideal landing spot: SEC
Like Clemson, the Florida State Seminoles are traditionally known for its football program making it an easy choice for the SEC.
The Seminoles are building momentum with the program after a few down years and are one of the favorites in the ACC this year.
Miami Hurricanes
Ideal landing spot: SEC
By adding Miami and Florida State to the SEC, it would give the conference the three biggest programs in the state of Florida and would amp up the Sunshine State rivalries a little more.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Ideal landing spot: Big Ten
I don’t know if this one is clear and there’s a good argument for the SEC as well. But with the Big Ten wanting to expand further and already going to the west coast, getting a presence in the Carolinas isn’t a bad thing. While the SEC would benefit from football, basketball is UNC’s main brand and heading to a competitive Big Ten isn’t the worst thing.
NC State
Ideal landing spot: Big Ten
I talked about the presence in the Carolinas for the Big Ten and here is another opportunity. Would the conference double up with UNC and NC State? Or would they take just one.
Keeping NC State and UNC in the same conference would be ideal for a historic perspective as well.
Virginia
Ideal landing spot: SEC
Virginia would help expand the SEC’s market despite the university not really fitting in with the conference academically. But realignment is all about money and with the Cavaliers traditionally having a good basketball program, it could help things there. If not a move to the SEC, a move to the Big Ten might make sense for the Cavaliers as well.
Virginia Tech
Ideal landing spot: Big Ten
It just feels like Virginia Tech and the Big Ten are meant to be if there is realignment. The program has traditionally had a solid football team which is a plus but it also gives the conference another state and a big fanbase as well.
The move would certainly help the Hokies in athletics, and potentially help the Big Ten with revenue.
