Report: ACC closing in on 10-game Power Four opponent schedule for member schools

The ACC is reportedly honing in on a major schedule change. ESPN is reporting that the conference will require each of its member teams to play at least 10 games against Power 4 competition, with the number of intraconference games played up for debate at the moment.

“The ACC is closing in on a change to its scheduling format that will require all league teams to play at least 10 games against Power 4 competition, though the number of intraconference games played — eight or nine — remains a sticking point, according to multiple sources,” ESPN’s Andrea Adelson and David Hale reported.

“Athletic directors are scheduled to meet Monday in Charlotte to discuss the details of what will either be a move to a nine-game conference slate with one additional Power 4 game required out of conference or an ‘8+2’ model that will provide more flexibility to schools that already have an annual nonconference rival.”

The move makes a ton of sense for the conference, especially considering the SEC’s scheduling change earlier this year. Clemson athletic director Graham Neff is in favor of the move.

“The ACC committing to go to 10 Power 4 games is a big step forward,” Neff said, via ESPN. “It’s indicative of where college football is and leans into emphasizing the importance of strength of schedule and more Power 4 matchups.”

Per ESPN, a straw poll of 13 of the ACC’s 17 athletic directors showed that nine supported or were “amenable” to the nine-game slate. Programs like Clemson and Florida State are among the teams with concerns about the impact the move would have on nonconference scheduling, though.

Regardless, it remains something ACC commissioner Jim Phillips wants to see: “Multiple sources said ACC commissioner Jim Phillips wants to see the conference play nine league games annually and require each school to schedule one out-of-conference game against another Power 4 school, essentially matching the SEC’s new strategy,” ESPN reported.

“ACC schools are already supposed to have at least one Power 4 nonconference game each year, but that rule has not been enforced, and several programs have avoided playing a more difficult schedule. Sources told ESPN that the current conversations have reached a consensus that 10 Power 4 games must be an enforced minimum moving forward.”

Time will tell what the ACC agrees upon. It seems a bit inevitable though, seeing where college football is headed. The conference doesn’t want to be left behind.