On Monday, the Atlantic Coast Conference revealed its decision to adopt a nine-game conference schedule, aligning itself with fellow Power Four conferences: the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12. The pivotal change comes just a month after the college football playoff selection committee disclosed plans to adjust the metrics that reward teams for defeating high-quality opponents.
While specific start dates for the transitions remain unannounced, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized the significance of this decision.
“There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined,” he stated. “Today’s decision showcases the commitment and leadership of ADs in balancing what is best for strengthening the conference and their respective programs.”
The path to adopting this new schedule is not without challenges for the ACC. Unlike its counterparts in the power four, implementing a nine-game schedule proved to be difficult due to its current roster of 17 teams. However, an agreement with Notre Dame allowing them to compete against five ACC teams each season has paved the way for the significant shift.
Commissioner Phillips further elaborated on the scheduling strategy:
“We have been incredibly intentional throughout our discussions on ACC football, including the future of our conference schedule. Today, the athletic directors of the 17 football-playing institutions overwhelmingly supported a regular season schedule that includes nine conference games and a minimum of 10 games each year against Power Four opponents,” he added that this positions the ACC as one of only two leagues committed to ensuring every team plays at least ten games against Power Four rivals each year.
This move will now better unite Power 4 programs ahead of the 2026 season and will indeed reshape the landscape of college football once again.
As @aadelsonESPN notes, one ACC school will play eight conference games annually while everyone else plays nine. Only way to make the math work with 17 schools.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 22, 2025
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
