8 ACC schools reportedly having third-party talks to join Big 12 expansion as conference realignment hits Jim Phillips' coast

In light of recent conference realignment chaos, the future of the Atlantic Coast Conference remains uncertain. Many experts believe the ACC could suffer the same fate as the Pac-12 soon. With both Clemson and Florida State continuing their quest to leave the conference, other programs from the league could follow the same path.

According to college football insider Greg Swaim, commissioner Jim Phillips' ACC could see a massive change in its structure. He reported that eight programs are potentially looking for a way out and are in talks with the Big 12. He also compared the situation to when the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners announced their exit from the Big 12.

Swaim also reported that nothing is expected to happen in the next couple of years.

"There are no less than eight current ACC schools that have had, or are having third party talks with the Big12," Swaim posted on X. "And that's wise, as while nothing official will happen for a few years, there may be some news shortly that FSU and Clemson are out.

"Think of it like when the Sooners and the Longhorns announced that they were leaving the Big12, but it would be two years before the move took place. As sure as I can be that they're both leaving, but exactly where they're going to is a big question."

Greg Swaim previously posted about how the Big 12 learned the downsides of unequal revenue sharing following Texas and Oklahoma's departure in the recent conference realignment and compared it to Clemson and Florida State's situation.

"The #Big12 learned with the #Sooners and #Longhorns that unequal revenue sharing just doesn't work," Swaim posted. "However, to help buy #FSU and #Clemson out of their #ACC deal, as long as they sign a long term deal.. now that's a horse of a different color!!"

---

Florida State to engage in mediation with ACC over potential exit amid conference realignment chaos

The Seminoles and the Tigers reportedly have until Aug. 15 to confirm whether they will leave the conference by the 2025-26 season. As per reports, Florida State is expected to enter a mediation phase with the ACC this week to discuss the outcome of its legal dispute.

While mediation is an important step, it does not guarantee that it will reach an agreeable settlement. Officials from both the ACC and the Seminoles declined to comment on the mediation period.