Paul Finebaum foreshadows apocalyptic future for the ACC: 'The ACC is in trouble'

Just like last offseason when Texas and Oklahoma announced they’d be joining the SEC, everyone who follows college football is awaiting the next bombshell in conference realignment and expansion. The recent move of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten was a major one, and according to ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, created a bleak future for the ACC.

Even without considering the potential departure of current ACC teams to join the Big Ten or the SEC, the conference might be in big trouble. In Finebaum’s eyes, the ACC’s TV deal and product as a whole simply won’t be able to keep up with what we’re about to see in what many are calling the two future mega-conferences.

“The ACC is in trouble because of the deal – I mean we all have friends, maybe ourselves, where you cut a contract and then you complain about it,” Finebaum said. “Ultimately, you signed it. They signed that deal and they’re dealing with powerful companies like ESPN and FOX and others and they’re as good as their product too. And their product is – it’s good football, don’t misunderstand me. But outside of a handful of those schools, you’re not going to get eyeballs over there versus what you’re about to see in the Big Ten and the SEC.”

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ACC teams leaving the conference could further illustrate Finebaum’s idea

There are a few big programs left out there as the Big Ten and SEC possibly look to further add to their respective fields. Notre Dame, which is independent in football but in the ACC in other sports, is arguably the biggest available school. Oregon also remains in the Pac-12, and other teams from there and the Big 12 could be options for further realignment and expansion.

The reality is, though, that the ACC contains a lot of programs that would be attractive assets for the Big Ten and SEC. Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech could all be potential options if other conferences looked to further add. And while the ACC TV deal might be a tough one for those teams to get out of, it won’t completely eliminate any chance of them leaving.

And then there’s the College Football Playoff. If the Big Ten and SEC do continue adding, and eventually become the two mega-conferences like most expect, coming to terms on a new CFP model will be even tougher. And for teams like the ACC, Pac-12 and Big 12 that are depleted from the latest wave of movement, the future will look even bleaker.