ACC Media Days Phillips Speech
No real big news so far but here is my thoughts
1. CFP: Phillips was not as blunt as Yormark, but it’s clear he doesn’t favor the 4-4-2-2-1 model. He emphasized valuing conference champions, fairness, and access as key factors. He likes the current 5-7 format and seems open to 5-9 or 5-11 configurations.
2. Top Three Conferences: Phillips stated that the ACC is among the top three conferences in terms of revenue and one of three with dedicated TV networks. He also noted that the ACC is one of only three conferences receiving multiple CFP bids. We all know who he’s addressing with this message.
3. Academics: Phillips highlighted the ACC’s commitment to academics, citing U.S. News rankings and graduation rates. I know many on this board dismiss academics in the context of athletic conferences, but I disagree. This could significantly impact future realignment. Phillips reiterated his support for the traditional student-athlete model over the employee model. I believe many private schools in the ACC, such as Stanford, Duke, and possibly even Notre Dame, prefer this approach. If some conferences adopt the employee model, the ACC will likely stick with the NCAA model. Public ACC schools favoring the employee model may leave, while some Big Ten and SEC schools that prefer the NCAA model, like Northwestern or Vanderbilt, might consider joining the ACC. This is something I’m closely monitoring.
Link:
Full video
9 Replies
H
HOO86
1y
I think Jim Phillips himself would get word if somethings up with Northwestern and push them. They both fit and new markets.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1y
Brian Murphy:
SMU’s Rhett Lashlee says he wants 4+4+4+3+1. With Notre Dame having access to one of ACC’s spots. Favors championship Saturday with 1v2, 3v6 and 4v5 for spots. Says it brings more teams/fan bases into play.
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Best idea so far.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
He wouldn't be advocating this if SMU were still in the AAC.
Just another self-serving idea.
1. AQs to non champions is LAME.
2. Play-in games WITHIN conferences are also lame.
** Edited by Maroon Baboon at 7/22/2025, 9:18:36 PM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1y
Tony Petitti has pushed the guaranteed slots model, in order to set up more play-in games on Championship weekend for the Big 10.
So one ACC coach is in favor.
Personally, I say with 5 conf Champs + 7 or 11 at largest.
CFB is in danger if oversaturating.
They need to limit supply in order to drive up interest in the games shown.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
H
hokieZ71
1y
Division champs get a bid. (This emulates the NFL where the division championship is goal #1 at the start of the season) Playoff between 2nd place teams for a third bid. And with the P2, 2nd and 3rd place teams play for third and fourth bids. The wild card playoffs give the division champs a bye
Splitting into divisions solves the annual rivalry aspect, the ridiculously spread out conferences aspect (except the ACC, where Stanford and Cal will never fit in), reduces the need for selection committees, makes transparent how you get in the playoffs.
Of course, the P2 will never allow the ACC or B12 to have a 3rd guaranteed bid. That’s where this will never be possible. The SEC and B1G are ruining college athletics before our very eyes.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1y
(In response to this post by hokieZ71)
1y
Points #1 and #2 brag about access to the CFP while point #3 guarantees a loss of access in the future. Aligning your conference with academic schools is not going to maintain or increase selection into the CFP. Now, personally, I agree with the direction. I don't want VT to play the employee game, but if this is where they are really going, I would be advocating for the 4-4-2-2-1 model.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1y
Technically, every player is currently a student-athlete.
However, in the future, if some conferences adopt an employee model and leave the NCAA, the ACC will likely remain within the NCAA framework.
That said, this doesn’t necessarily mean Virginia Tech will stay in the ACC. My guess is that VT administration won’t oppose the employee model.
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)