Ranking ACC programs by value in conference realignment for Big Ten and SEC (2024)

California’s head football coach Justin Wilcox walks along the sidelines during the Independence Bowl game against Texas Tech, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La.

Value: 1

Cal is in the same boat as Stanford. There’s just not a lot of value to add them to the Big Ten or SEC.

Oct 17, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; Detailed view of the Stanford Cardinal logo at midfield at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 2

There’s a reason why Stanford and Cal weren’t pursued by the Big Ten or SEC in realignment.

DALLAS, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 14: Fans sit on the Southern Methodist Mustangs logo before a game against the Texas State Bobcats at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Value: 4

A new program to the ACC, SMU’s value comes in football. A strong showing early and building on that will be key for the Mustangs.

Sep 18, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; General view of a Syracuse Orange helmet prior to the game against the Albany Great Danes at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 4.5

There’s not a lot of consistency for Syracuse although they are in a big market. They need to get both programs back on track to improve the value.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 08: Wake Forest University mascot Demon Deacon visits the Empire State Building in advance of the tournament on March 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

Value: 4.5

Wake Forest is another one that’s tough to judge. They were brutally bad in football last year but have a strong basketball program that is improving.

Nov 5, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; A detailed view of the helmets of the Boston College Eagles before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 5

There’s just no consistency with either program as of late. Can Bill O’Brien help turn the football program around and improve this ranking?

Feb 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Damon Stoudamire on the sideline against the Clemson Tigers in the second half at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 5.5

The Yellow Jackets have a big market with Atlanta as their home. However, do the programs offer a lot of value for conferences? Maybe more football than basketball.

Members of the Pitt Panthers football team stretch out during pre-game drills.

Pitt2

Value: 6

Pitt is a tough program to rank in terms of value. They offer a large market and two solid programs with men’s basketball and football.

Feb 12, 2022; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett reacts on the bench against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 6.5

The Cavaliers have a strong basketball program under Tony Bennett. But the football program needs to improve.

Nov 18, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren leads his team to the field before playing against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 7

NC State has a good football program that has been consistent over the years. Add in what Kevin Keatts did this past season with the basketball program and the value is on the rise.

Sep 6, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detailed view of a Louisville Cardinals helmet on the field before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 7

Louisville’s football program is on the rise but the basketball program is in a total rebuild. Still, Louisville would be one of the programs that the Big Ten and SEC would like to add if there is more realignment.

Oct 8, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Brent Pry looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 45-29. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 7.5

The Hokies may seem like a surprise to be this high on the list. BUT even with the recent struggles, the football program is still coveted. Getting things turned around in football and basketball could go a long way for their value.

Mar 16, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on during the first half against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 8

Duke was a tough one to rank. But their basketball brand shoots them up these rankings. With football losing Mike Elko, they are going to need to find a way to turn it around. But still, basketball reigns supreme for the Blue Devils.

For more on Duke, please check out Duke Wire.

Nov 12, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal celebrates after a victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 9

The Miami Hurricanes are still a national brand, especially with the football program. Basketball has been on the rise of late as well, making a Final Four in 2023. They would add value to a conference, specifically the SEC while being in Florida.

Jan 12, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A Clemson Tigers helmet on display before the head coaches press conference for the CFP with LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron and Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney at the Sheraton New Orleans, Grand Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 10

Just like Florida State, the Clemson football program is the reason why they are near the top of the list. Clemson also has a rising basketball program, coming off an Elite Eight appearance this year.

But it will be football that the conferences are after.

For more on Clemson, please check out Clemson Wire.

Oct 7, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; View of a Florida State Seminoles helmet on the field before the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 10

Florida State’s football program is the biggest reason why they are at the top of this list. It’s the most valuable program in the ACC in terms of football. They also have a solid basketball program despite a few down years recently. The brand overall is strong.

For more on Florida State, please check out FSU Wire.

Mar 28, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels mascot Rameses during the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Value: 10

North Carolina is a program with a big basketball presence that will intrigue the SEC and Big Ten. It also offers a good football program as well, making it a desirable program for the two conferences to go after.