Clemson and Florida State B12 bound within a Year?

Recent reports suggest that top ACC programs, Clemson and Florida State, may be closer than ever to making a move to the Big 12. According to Jason Scheer of 247Sports, there is growing internal optimism within the Big 12 about the potential addition of these powerhouse teams in the near future.

The Current Landscape

As highlighted by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo! Sports, the interest from Clemson and Florida State in the Big 12 is becoming more evident. Discussions surrounding conference realignment have intensified, and while it’s unclear whether this interest will lead to action, it’s a topic that will likely dominate headlines in the upcoming months.

Is It a Smart Move?

Transitioning from the ACC to the Big 12 raises important questions about whether this would be an actual upgrade for the programs involved. The ACC’s Grant of Rights is a significant hurdle, being both complex and financially burdensome. Both Clemson and Florida State have even initiated legal action against the ACC to explore their options for exiting the conference, primarily to assess the costs involved in buying out of their current agreements.

If the two schools do find a way to leave the ACC, the Big 12 would need to navigate the complexities of admitting them, which would come with substantial financial implications.

Financial Considerations

Dellenger pointed out the financial dynamics involved in such a transition. For instance, if the Big 12 were to bring in Florida State or Clemson, they would need to offer a distribution that closely aligns with what schools in the Big Ten and SEC receive. Currently, the Big 12 schools average around $30-40 million per year, while their Big Ten and SEC counterparts receive closer to $70 million, with expectations that this figure will continue to rise.

This raises crucial questions about revenue sharing within the Big 12. Would the conference be willing to implement unequal revenue distribution to accommodate Clemson or Florida State, potentially offering them an additional $10 to $20 million per year?

Challenges Ahead

While the prospect of Clemson and Florida State joining the Big 12 is intriguing, several obstacles remain. The complexities of the ACC Grant of Rights, the suitability of these teams within the Big 12 framework, and the unpredictable nature of college football all play significant roles in this equation. Moreover, any further expansion would require consensus within the Big 12 leadership.

Realignment in college sports is notoriously complicated, especially with ongoing legal disputes and the intricate nature of the Grant of Rights. Therefore, any move within the next year seems ambitious at best.

Conclusion

As the situation develops, WVINSIDERS will keep you updated on the latest news and analysis regarding Clemson, Florida State, and the ever-evolving landscape of college football realignment. Stay tuned for more insights and updates!