Big 12 program showing interest in possibly joining ACC

With Oklahoma and Texas most likely leaving the Big 12, there could be more shakeups that eventually include the ACC.

The recent news of Oklahoma and Texas likely leaving the Big 12 for the SEC made major headlines around college athletics.

Not only will this decision impact both the Big 12 and the SEC, but it will also have huge implications for other conferences as well. This news could just be the start of some drastic shakeups that are coming, including some that could impact North Carolina and the ACC.

So, let the speculation begin.

Although nothing is official just yet, other programs from the Big 12 have possibly started looking at other options that best fit their school. According to ESPN senior writer Heather Dinich, it looks like one Big 12 program favors a move to the ACC if Oklahoma and Texas do, in fact, depart for the SEC.

"“West Virginia would certainly be interested in joining the ACC if this falls apart in the Big 12. This is about self-preservation, if this does indeed happen, and everything is expected to snowball quickly. It makes sense financially — from a travel aspect, from geographic location, right? But here’s the thing — the ACC has to want West Virginia.”Everybody is going to be watching this like a hawk — what is the ACC going to do? They’ve got a new commissioner in Jim Phillips. You can believe that he’s trying to make a last-minute push, maybe for Texas.”"

Adding Texas to the ACC would be a very interesting move, but at this point, it seems as if the Longhorns are focused only on the SEC. However, West Virginia seems very interested — could the Mountaineers be a possibility for the ACC?

If the realignment does occur, it is expected that the ACC will also look to expand. You could speculate that the ACC would desire to add at least two more programs to match the SEC’s new expansion.

If you’re looking for possible programs to join the ACC, Notre Dame would probably be one of the first in mind. Having been included in the ACC’s football slate in 2020, the Fighting Irish returned to their independent status, but if they decide to join a conference, contractually it would have to be with the ACC.

Would the ACC be open to adding West Virginia into the mix? The Mountaineers would allow the conference to restore some old Big East rivalries, which could generate a ton of revenue. However, the ACC may have other programs in mind before opening up their doors to West Virginia.

The Sooners and Longhorns have definitely created some chaos in regards to future division alignments throughout college athletics. Ultimately, their moves could cause some corresponding moves among other conferences, and it’s safe to say that the ACC could see some changes coming over the next few years.

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