What happens in the next phase?

Here is one interesting perspective from Sports Talk Florida. The specific topic is the future of Tampa’s USF Bulls. A few nuggets about the ACC are dropped, though—Apple streaming?—that make one curious about access to sources.

....
USF’s 2027 on‑campus stadium strengthens its Power Four case

USF will open its new on‑campus stadium in 2027, a project that signals the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level. The stadium anchors a larger athletics district that includes a multimillion‑dollar broadcast center, upgraded football operations, and modern training facilities.

These investments give USF an advantage over some current ACC members. The league has a few members who still operate with aging stadiums, outdated practice spaces, and limited media infrastructure. USF’s new complex positions the Bulls as a forward‑thinking program built for the next era of college athletics.

The ACC prepares for a post‑2030 reshaping

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips studies the Pac‑12 collapse closely and refuses to let his league repeat those mistakes. He maintains strong ties with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua and former Apple CEO Tim Cook, who sits on Duke’s board. Apple has shown interest in future streaming partnerships once ESPN’s current deal expires in 2036.

Phillips also keeps a shortlist of expansion candidates. UConn, Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, Navy, Army and USF remain in the conversation. USF checks multiple boxes: market size, institutional growth, geographic value, and a modern facilities plan that aligns with the ACC’s future.

What the ACC could look like after major departures

If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Adding USF restores the league’s presence in Florida and opens a major recruiting region. The Bulls bring a large market, a rising football program, and a facilities package that rivals or surpasses several current ACC members.

USF’s moment is coming

USF declined interest in the new Pac‑12 because the Bulls believed a better opportunity would emerge. That opportunity now sits inside the ACC’s long‑term planning. The Bulls continue to build momentum with their stadium project, their broadcast center, and their investment in football.

The next five years will decide everything. Florida State and Miami hold the keys to the next realignment wave. If both programs exit, USF stands as one of the most logical replacements.

The Bulls cannot control the timeline, but they can control their trajectory. And right now, that trajectory points directly toward the Power Four.

https://sportstalkflorida.com/ncaa-news/...7-stadium/

How did this guy get access to Jim Phillips short list of expansion candidates? Some of these candidates seem like long shots.

That list comes from Jim Phillips, retiree, Tampa.

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  What happens in the next phase?

Here is one interesting perspective from Sports Talk Florida. The specific topic is the future of Tampa’s USF Bulls. A few nuggets about the ACC are dropped, though—Apple streaming?—that make one curious about access to sources.

....
USF’s 2027 on‑campus stadium strengthens its Power Four case

USF will open its new on‑campus stadium in 2027, a project that signals the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level. The stadium anchors a larger athletics district that includes a multimillion‑dollar broadcast center, upgraded football operations, and modern training facilities.

These investments give USF an advantage over some current ACC members. The league has a few members who still operate with aging stadiums, outdated practice spaces, and limited media infrastructure. USF’s new complex positions the Bulls as a forward‑thinking program built for the next era of college athletics.

The ACC prepares for a post‑2030 reshaping

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips studies the Pac‑12 collapse closely and refuses to let his league repeat those mistakes. He maintains strong ties with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua and former Apple CEO Tim Cook, who sits on Duke’s board. Apple has shown interest in future streaming partnerships once ESPN’s current deal expires in 2036.

Phillips also keeps a shortlist of expansion candidates. UConn, Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, Navy, Army and USF remain in the conversation. USF checks multiple boxes: market size, institutional growth, geographic value, and a modern facilities plan that aligns with the ACC’s future.

What the ACC could look like after major departures

If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Adding USF restores the league’s presence in Florida and opens a major recruiting region. The Bulls bring a large market, a rising football program, and a facilities package that rivals or surpasses several current ACC members.

USF’s moment is coming

USF declined interest in the new Pac‑12 because the Bulls believed a better opportunity would emerge. That opportunity now sits inside the ACC’s long‑term planning. The Bulls continue to build momentum with their stadium project, their broadcast center, and their investment in football.

The next five years will decide everything. Florida State and Miami hold the keys to the next realignment wave. If both programs exit, USF stands as one of the most logical replacements.

The Bulls cannot control the timeline, but they can control their trajectory. And right now, that trajectory points directly toward the Power Four.

https://sportstalkflorida.com/ncaa-news/...7-stadium/

UTSA? As a partner for SMU maybe, but I think Tulane fits that bill much better.

I think the only G6 candidates are UConn, USF, Tulane, Memphis. If football only is palatable then Army and Navy make sense. If Rice steps up their NIL to match SMU then they become a viable candidate.

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

(10-30-2026 06:52 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 06:52 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

(10-31-2026 02:02 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 06:52 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

Why would the SEC take Louisville? If UK wasn't 60 miles away and in the state then Louisville would be a viable candidate to capture a new state and a fairly large metro.

(10-31-2026 09:21 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:02 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 06:52 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

Why would the SEC take Louisville? If UK wasn't 60 miles away and in the state then Louisville would be a viable candidate to capture a new state and a fairly large metro.

Take it up with the writer. They’re the one who said Louisville was leaving. I know it wouldn’t be for the B1G. I don’t see us leaving for the B12 alone so that would leave the SEC.

PRODUCT OF ELIMINATION

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 06:52 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 01:27 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  If Florida State, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville leave, the ACC will rebuild around its remaining members. Schools such as Duke, Virginia, NC State, Pitt, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, SMU, Cal, Stanford, and Boston College still offer strong academics and competitive athletics.

Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

The article reads like an AI-created marketing pitch for USF. A best case scenario for a Florida school.

(10-31-2026 03:33 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 09:21 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:02 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 06:52 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  Um, where's Virginia Tech? They aren't listed as leaving OR staying... very suspect!

Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

Why would the SEC take Louisville? If UK wasn't 60 miles away and in the state then Louisville would be a viable candidate to capture a new state and a fairly large metro.

Take it up with the writer. They’re the one who said Louisville was leaving. I know it wouldn’t be for the B1G. I don’t see us leaving for the B12 alone so that would leave the SEC.

PRODUCT OF ELIMINATION

I don't think we have to worry about Louisville going to the SEC as long as Kentucky is in the conference. Florida and USC-e want their respective state mates in the SEC but I've never heard any thing but Kentucky doesn't want Louisville in the SEC from any thing I've read regarding expansion over the last 23 years.

(11-01-2026 01:04 AM)ChrisLords Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 03:33 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 09:21 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:02 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

Why would the SEC take Louisville? If UK wasn't 60 miles away and in the state then Louisville would be a viable candidate to capture a new state and a fairly large metro.

Take it up with the writer. They’re the one who said Louisville was leaving. I know it wouldn’t be for the B1G. I don’t see us leaving for the B12 alone so that would leave the SEC.

PRODUCT OF ELIMINATION

I don't think we have to worry about Louisville going to the SEC as long as Kentucky is in the conference. Florida and USC-e want their respective state mates in the SEC but I've never heard any thing but Kentucky doesn't want Louisville in the SEC from any thing I've read regarding expansion over the last 23 years.

I’m not expecting Louisville to leave either which is why I was kinda mocking the article.

The state government of Kentucky primarily goes through the city of Louisville & its surrounding counties so UK preventing UofL from getting an SEC invite would cause political upheaval in Frankfort. I don’t see UK risking a political civil war when there would be benefits in it for them as well. They all know how important the university is to the city & how big of an economic engine the city is to the state. UofL may not get into the SEC but it won’t be due to UK blackballing them.

(11-01-2026 01:04 AM)ChrisLords Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 03:33 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 09:21 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:02 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-30-2026 10:24 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Yeah. I noticed that.

The report reads in this very confident way. At first glance it leads you to think the author got Jim Phillips to spill some tea. Then you examine the details and start to wonder if all this isn’t just hearsay going around locker rooms in Tampa.

I noticed right away that the report does show an odd number of schools—five—emigrating. It would more likely be an even number of schools—six, eight, or even ten, depending on how the cap discussions come out and what other conferences want to do. Maybe the original idea was to have Virginia Tech also on that list.

5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

Why would the SEC take Louisville? If UK wasn't 60 miles away and in the state then Louisville would be a viable candidate to capture a new state and a fairly large metro.

Take it up with the writer. They’re the one who said Louisville was leaving. I know it wouldn’t be for the B1G. I don’t see us leaving for the B12 alone so that would leave the SEC.

PRODUCT OF ELIMINATION

I don't think we have to worry about Louisville going to the SEC as long as Kentucky is in the conference. Florida and USC-e want their respective state mates in the SEC but I've never heard any thing but Kentucky doesn't want Louisville in the SEC from any thing I've read regarding expansion over the last 23 years.

I recall hearing about Texas A&M objections to Texas being invited to the Sec but that did not stop Texas from being invited. I realize that Louisville is not the stature of Texas but Kentucky is not the stature of ATM either. It may be a good example to look at

(11-01-2026 02:00 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(11-01-2026 01:04 AM)ChrisLords Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 03:33 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 09:21 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(10-31-2026 02:02 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  5 is possible if paired with someone from the B12. Kansas? The important part though is that Louisville is leaving. That must mean we are SEC bound! Woohoo!

Miami & N Carolina to B1G
FSU, Clemson, Louisville & Kansas to the SEC.





Go Cards!

Why would the SEC take Louisville? If UK wasn't 60 miles away and in the state then Louisville would be a viable candidate to capture a new state and a fairly large metro.

Take it up with the writer. They’re the one who said Louisville was leaving. I know it wouldn’t be for the B1G. I don’t see us leaving for the B12 alone so that would leave the SEC.

PRODUCT OF ELIMINATION

I don't think we have to worry about Louisville going to the SEC as long as Kentucky is in the conference. Florida and USC-e want their respective state mates in the SEC but I've never heard any thing but Kentucky doesn't want Louisville in the SEC from any thing I've read regarding expansion over the last 23 years.

I’m not expecting Louisville to leave either which is why I was kinda mocking the article.

The state government of Kentucky primarily goes through the city of Louisville & its surrounding counties so UK preventing UofL from getting an SEC invite would cause political upheaval in Frankfort. I don’t see UK risking a political civil war when there would be benefits in it for them as well. They all know how important the university is to the city & how big of an economic engine the city is to the state. UofL may not get into the SEC but it won’t be due to UK blackballing them.

It's because adding UL wouldn't bring a new market or state. You are stuck with us lepers. However, as long as the ACC stays (old Big East relevant) it should be a fun league.

The SEC would be the doom of Louisville. Thankfully there is no real interest in us.

1st and foremost UKay has no say or vote that would prevent Louisville joining the SEC. If the SEC believes Louisville would enhance their league they will be looked at as much as FSU and Clemson, and the powers to be amongst the conference not to mention ESPN will overall make the decision not UKay.

(11-01-2026 05:12 PM)BigOwensboroCard Wrote:  1st and foremost UKay has no say or vote that would prevent Louisville joining the SEC. If the SEC believes Louisville would enhance their league they will be looked at as much as FSU and Clemson, and the powers to be amongst the conference not to mention ESPN will overall make the decision not UKay.

There are reasons to think that Louisville, Virginia Tech, and NC State would all be valuable additions to the SEC. However, don't kid yourself that any of these "will be looked at as much as FSU and Clemson". FSU and Clemson are the most valuable of the 2nd teams in an existing SEC state cases (well, unless you believe the SEC would prefer Miami over FSU).

Honestly, I still think the SEC's top 2 choices are UNC and UVA.

The Big Ten could consider adding both FSU and Miami in an attempt to cut others out of Florida, but their model is different (and I doubt the B1G is interested in Louisville, Virginia Tech, OR NC State).

There are scenarios in which if schools were to leave & confrences were capped at 20 that the ACC would be fine. Say for instance that Stanford & Cal go to the B1G. North Carolina, Virginia, Kansas & FSU go to the SEC. We could then add up to 8 from a strong position in having Clemson & Miami still in the fold.

West Virginia would be a good brand addition while adding rivalry content. Texas Tech would be a great brand to pair with SMU & might get the ACCN full carriage rates in Texas. USF & UCF would strengthen our presence in Florida in FSU absence. Would we need one or both? From there we could decide if we wanted to expand west in the absence of Califord or focus the remaking spots on basketball or add to the midwestern side.

Could look something like this.
Miami, Clemson, Louisville, VT, GT, Duke, NC State, Wake Forest, Pitt, Syracuse, BC, SMU, WV, TT, USF, UCF, UConn with ND, Georgetown & Villanova for basketball. This is a good football conference with premier basketball. We shouldn’t lose any revenue from the ACCN, in fact it should generate more.

These moves wouldn’t destroy the B12 either. They would lose 4 but could backfill with Memphis, Tulane, Oregon St & Washington St to get back to 16. They would have room to add 4 more. Boise State & San Diego State come to mind there. Perhaps pickup Gonzaga & Wichita State basketball?

The ACC and XIL need to blow each other up and build something nicer.....and keep the ACC Network.

Pitt, Lville, VT, NCSU, Colo , GT, SMU, Texas Tech, Hou

WVU, USF, UCF, TCU, Ok St, KU, KSU, Utah, Az, Az St, BYU


Others to consider: Baylor, Cincy, Syracuse