ACC ADs Approve Move to Nine-Game Football Schedule

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is set to adopt a nine-game conference football schedule, joining the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 in this move to increase league play. This change, supported overwhelmingly by ACC athletic directors and pending approval from faculty athletics representatives, will also require teams to play at least 10 games annually against Power 4 opponents, which include ACC, SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 members. The new format is expected to take effect in the 2027 season, with some teams playing nine conference games as early as 2026. This scheduling shift aims to enhance the conference's competitiveness and aligns with recent College Football Playoff metrics that reward teams for facing high-quality opponents. However, the move presents logistical challenges due to the ACC's 17 football-playing schools and their existing commitments, including Notre Dame's rotating games and in-state rivalries like Clemson vs. South Carolina. Clemson, in particular, faces decisions about maintaining its 12-year scheduling agreement with Notre Dame and balancing an increased number of Power 4 games compared to other ACC schools.