Overview

• Conference leaders are discussing a rule that would require every ACC team to play at least 10 games against Power Four opponents.
• Two structures are under consideration: nine ACC games with one Power Four nonconference opponent or an 8+2 model designed to preserve annual rivalries.
• An ESPN straw poll found nine of 13 athletic directors open to a nine-game league slate, while Florida State and Clemson raised concerns about scheduling flexibility.
• Commissioner Jim Phillips is reported to favor the nine-plus-one approach, which would align with the SEC’s move to nine conference games in 2026.
• Athletic directors meet Monday in Charlotte to review options, with no formal vote expected for several weeks and the start date still undecided.