2 teams that are perfect fits for ACC expansion as conference realignment takes new strides in 2024
The ACC has found its way into conference realignment talk, but the focus has been on teams leaving the conference. However, if teams leave, the Atlantic Coast Conference will look to add programs so that they have the minimum number of members to prevent their media rights provider from renegotiating their contract.
So which teams would make the most sense in ACC expansion? Let's take a deeper dive into a pair of teams that should be the Atlantic Coast Conference's targets.
ACC expansion targets
UConn Huskies
The UConn Huskies would be an interesting program to target because they are an independent program in college football but are members of the Big East Conference in college basketball. There were rumors of the Huskies leaving the Big East and joining the Big 12, but those talks seemingly fizzled, as they have been quiet recently.
The football program doesn't add too much value, as they are a middling program at best. However, the addition of the UConn Huskies men's and women's basketball programs would be a significant addition to the ACC expansion.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips should be interested, as the Atlantic Coast Conference would become one of the strongest basketball conferences in the nation with UConn joining Duke, North Carolina and Virginia.
South Florida Bulls
Let's be honest about the ACC expansion. They are not issuing the money to attract big-named programs, so taking from a Group of Five conference may be their best thing going forward.
The Bulls have been showcasing their ability to improve in basketball and football over the last few years and is a prime target to swipe away from the American Conference.
It would also give the ACC two schools in the state of Florida, a hotbed for recruits, barring the results of FSU vs. ACC's lawsuit. Having an in-state rivalry and getting the city of Tampa associated with the conference would be a massive boost.
The USF Bulls seemingly are the next Group of Five team to make the jump to the Power Four, and the ACC expansion feels like a glove to a hand.