I leave this board for a few months and I clearly missed a lot of stuff
There are a ton of threads below but I will say this, last year I had detailed conversations with two key folks in the know around conferences and potential realignment. Not just some blogger with a substack or a random YouTube guy looking for impressions.
This person told me that the Big 10 and the SEC would eventually go to 20. In addition, the Invest to Win campaign was specifically designed to make Tech attractive and competitive so that we would be one of the new joiners to either league. My sources were impeccable on this one. Trust me.
137 Replies
1w
1. The SEC eventually expanding to 20 teams is different from adding four schools in 2030. I think they will add at most two schools in 2030. If your sources are from VT, they likely won’t have direct insight into when (or how many schools) the P2 decides to invite.
2. I’ve said it a few times. This is a semi-open race. Every ACC Big 12 school aspiring to join the P2 will invest as much as possible to put itself in the best position. Obviously, that doesn’t mean everyone will get invited. I don’t like VT’s chances, but we do have a chance.
3. Our best bet is joining the SEC along with UNC in my opinion. If UVa gets an invite from the Big Ten, that might open up a spot for us in the SEC. But why would the B10 invite UVa without UNC?
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
T
TDVick
6d
which I always thought was a bit douchey. So who gets left without a "chair" in the game of musical chairs?
The State of VA is not going to let UVA go somewhere if it leaves VT stranded.
It seems that the politicians in NC started acting similar to the ones in VA and made it mandatory that UNC finds a spot for NCSU. Any movement is contingent on security for NCSU in a P2.
There is a similar dynamic in both states and UNC is the most desirable of the four schools. I don't think the Big Ten really wants NCSU - even though they are more attractive than Rutgers or MD in my opinion. The schools that moved early - Mizz, Rutgers and MD were smart and schools like VT were stupid as hell - as I mentioned MANY times back then. VT should have left in 2011 and UVA should have grabbed Maryland or Rutger's spot in 2014.
UNC STRONGLY prefers the SEC over B10. They basically fired their president a while back and all the old alums took over the board. That is how is looks to me. Someone is going grab a team from VA, but the state pols won't let UVA go to the SEC if it leaves VT stranded. Since UNC will bring NCSU with them the to SEC, they are basically being told, "you can't have both." You can't bring NCSU AND UVA. They would rather bring UVA and Duke but since they are a state school they have to insist on NCSU. Landing spots for NCSU, VT and UNC have been negotiated, once UNC tipped to the SEC. UNC had to split the UVA pairing when it chose the SEC.
It sure seems that way and I really hope so, because that is the best that VT can probably do.
Had UNC preferred the B10, they UVA and Duke probably would be in the B10. The only other thing I'd like to know is are the two P2's going to 20 and 20?
** Edited by TDVick at 7/26/2026, 10:06:40 AM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
V
VTCALS72
6d
They blocked us from being in the ACC much earlier. Just my opinion but I see both UNC and UVA needing VT to be in a lower league and no real threat for fans and recruits for them to succeed in the P2.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
J
JM397
4d
TV networks or the P2. UNC is just another institution trying to protect their own. They may have political help inside North Carolina to bring NC State. Otherwise, they will have no say on bringing UVA.
(In response to this post by VTCALS72)
6d
I don't see the SEC and B10 add many schools in 2030. My prediction has been that the ACC may lose up to four schools in 2030.
I also think the B10 will revisit ND around 2036 if they stay with the ACC at the next round.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
5d
If the ACC loses 4 schools in the 2029-2030 timeframe (e.g., FSU, Clemson, UNC, and Miami) then I don't see any universe where the left behind brands (e.g., VT, Louisville, NCSU, etc.) stay in a tomato can ACC that will have to backfill with G5 schools, because nothing you can say would ever convince me that any current Big 12 members are jumping onto that ship in that scenario vs. just picking the remaining brands out of the ACC, primarily because the Big 12's media contracts get re-negotiated first.
In that scenario, Big 12 members would not jump to the ACC for a promise of jam tomorrow, and ACC members like VT would not stay put and wait for the looming reputational and financial suicide that would come with the ACC's 2035-2036 contract re-negotiations with Disney, a business partner that already treats (and even brands) the conference like the SEC's red-headed stepchild that they're embarrassed to be associated with.
None of this is to say the ACC will cease to exist in that scenario, but I think you'd end up looking at something that more closely resembles and is closer in prestige to the new-look PAC-12 than the Big 12.
IMO, the bottom line for the ACC is that it cannot lose any football brands at any point. That's the only way I believe it survives in anything resembling its current form.
** Edited by Baltimore_Hokie at 7/27/2026, 1:22:57 PM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
5d
don't get an invitation.
Clemson is likely to stay in my view. Only one Florida school may get an invite.
(In response to this post by Baltimore_Hokie)
H
HouClone
5d
Looking at you Clemson. I don't think they are going to make the Big 10/SEC cut. All it could take is one brand for schools to 2nd guess moving on (Louisville, Pitt) to the Big 12. Clemson, ironically like Oregon before Phil Knight's money and hiring of Chip Kelly, was a very good school but then became a brand with their winning consistently. BYU and Texas Tech are on the brand path status but need multiple years of winning and CFP appearances. Utah was getting there but then stalled out. Baylor under Briles was getting there too but then the scandal and that was that.
(In response to this post by Baltimore_Hokie)
5d
I think, in a world where, say, FSU, Miami, and UNC leave the ACC but Clemson is left behind, then Clemson would have to consider how it can maximize its value, meaning how can it maximize the number of people that are going to watch Clemson football games consistently and for the maximum amount of time.
I think, then, that Clemson would have to consider whether they can better achieve that goal by:
(1) staying in an ACC where 3 of the major football brands have left, replaced by new annual opponents that would almost certainly consist of UConn and two backfills from the AAC (probably Memphis and USF) on a schedule where it already would have to play snooze opponents like Syracuse, Boston College, Duke, Stanford, Cal, etc.;
(2) leave the ACC and join the Big 12, where the majority of its conference schedule would be made up of teams like BYU and Texas Tech, who you have pointed out are on the rise, and certainly bigger football brands than UConn, Memphis, USF, and most of what would be left in the ACC - there would still be snoozer opponents, but not as many - and, if this happens, it wouldn't just be Clemson leaving for the Big 12, because VT and anyone else that could would follow Clemson out the door; or, the boldest move-
(3) leave the ACC and consolidate the remaining ACC and Big 12 brands in a "best of the rest" conference - this would probably end up creating the best value for Clemson and other joining members, because it separates the wheat from the chaff, but, unless it's done in the very narrow 2029-2031 window, it would come with significant headache in the form of litigation and a media circus created by the Big 12, who one can only assume would have already signed its new media rights contract and a new GOR - even if done pre-new Big 12 media contract, both the Big 12 and ACC would scream bloody murder, because it would effectively relegate both conferences to more-or-less G5 status.
In 2 of those 3 scenarios, the ACC is effectively relegated to G5 status. In 1, both the ACC and Big 12 are.
I think scenario 2 would be the most likely outcome in a Clemson left behind scenario.
(In response to this post by HouClone)
5d
discount that Clemson has a 12 year scheduling agreement with ND. It gives them option, and dare I say, worth. In all of these scenarios where the ACC loses some schools, ND will be the key IMO. Depending on how many schools leave, if UNC leaves, the conference is toast because they would be 3rd or 4th in the pecking order. For the record, I do not think UNC is as valuable as many think, but being from KU, basketball will matter at some point.
In a weakened ACC, I see Louisville as the "Colorado" in making a move to the B12. They know what it is being on the outside looking in as far as power conferences, and they will not take that chance if there is a path to the B12. Hell, the ACC has not treated them well from the get go, and they are not highly regarded by ACC fans, including many on this board.
UNC, ND, and Louisville are the dominos. FSU can pound sand, Miami may get an invite, but UNC? They ARE the ACC.
** Edited by Big12 guy at 7/27/2026, 2:44:29 PM
(In response to this post by Baltimore_Hokie)
5d
I don't think there's a scenario where only one member leaves, but I do think the ACC losing even one football brand will start a chain reaction.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
H
Hokie83
1w
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
S
Stech
6d
they have been begging Tech to make football a priority again. Now we have stopped talking about it, and we have done it, they simply love the Virginia Tech fan base, and they want them included. They have all along, but they also knew Virginia Tech was just riding Beams coattails, and they have put the pressure on for change.
(In response to this post by Hokie83)
S
Stech
1w
I disagree with Virginia Tech’s chances, and the SEC being our only option. However, I have to admit you have been consistent with your pessimistic view of Virginia Tech’s chances. You have stayed the course no matter what is being reported lately.
Truth is neither of us really knows, but it will be interesting to see if your pessimism on Virginia Tech’s chances prevails or not.
** Edited by Stech at 7/24/2026, 4:09:31 PM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
T
TDVick
6d
are 7 teams for slots and the teams are UM, UNC, Clemson, FSU, VT, UVA and NCSU, I think
UM and UNC are locks. Clemson and FSU look like the next two and there is shuffling btw UVA, VT and NCSU.
If UNC were slotted for the B10, I would like our SEC chances better.
The state of VA seems to have a stance that UVA can't leave if it harms VT. Now the B10 might grab Duke instead of UVA. That could result in a situation where VT had a spot in the SEC and now the Hoos might not have a landing spot in the B10.
I think that UNC might be behind this.
We have always gotten screwed by UNC during the past 60 years. Our fan base and leadership had their heads up their rear ends in 2011. We were preferred to Missouri and only had to win a head-to-head matchup against them - which we obviously would have won. Now we are one of seven teams (eight if you count Duke), that is clawing for 6 spots.
If UNC negotiates Duke a spot in the B10 rather than UVA, then will our UVA grad governor let UVA be stranded at VT's expense? In which case UNC would have its preferred pair entrant in the SEC, UVa not VT.
That is my reason for pessimism.
(In response to this post by Stech)
V
VTCALS72
6d
Once UNC is secure they will be all in on creating the least possible competition against them they can.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
1w
we have moved the needle and if we actually start to perform on the field, I like our chances.
(In response to this post by Stech)
H
Hokie83
1w
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
S
Stech
1w
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
T
TDVick
6d
point made and this is important to all of us. I lean to the positive side, but that means I put my trust in the state pols of VA and NC exhibiting some competence, which is very contrary to my nature, no matter who is elected?
If I knew the B10 and SEC went to 44, not 40, I would feel a lot better.
** Edited by TDVick at 7/26/2026, 4:45:49 AM
(In response to this post by Stech)
J
JM397
5d
enrollment. That sees VT being able to draw big games nationally against top SEC teams. Think of the past games such as VT against LSU in the openers. Some of the other universities have never had that. I think the P2 conferences and TV networks just want VT to fund their football program at a very good level and a record to get them back to the top 25.
I think they look at UVA and see a well funded athletic program but without the fan support or viewership to draw big enough ratings in football.
Duke is a small school that is mostly funded for basketball.
Even UNC football wise is not seen as being supported from the fans because they are so into their basketball.
** Edited by JM397 at 7/27/2026, 12:53:00 PM
(In response to this post by TDVick)
1w
as a potential realignment target by reputable reporters.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
1w
to their article(s) please.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1w
It's not difficult to find one.
---------
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, North Carolina and Virginia are going to be “coveted” heavily by both the Big Ten and SEC.
---------
Pete Thamel is a reputable reporter. When it comes to the realignment, he is one of the best along with Ross Dellenger and maybe Brett McMurphy.
Now show me any article about VT to the SEC/B10 from a reputable reporter.
Link:
Here is one
(In response to this post by Stech)
5d
** Edited by RandomAsianGuy at 7/27/2026, 5:31:30 PM
(In response to this post by NC Hoke)
5d
But 3 years old, lol. Things change in 3 years. A lot, in college sports.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
5d
(In response to this post by NC Hoke)
5d
P2 expansion candidates in the last 3 years simply by recommitting to football. UVa’s chances are likely the same as 3 years ago. But one opinion from any reporter 3 years old doesn’t carry much weight in the present.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
5d
Also look at this 2025 article, which quotes Brett McMurphy.
"I don't know about you guys but I am surprised neither of you said 24. I think we are going to be 20 or 24 with the SEC and the Big Ten and the question is what is going on with the Big 12 and the ACC and are they going to be allowed to be a part of that group? I think it is very clear, if you want to speculate recklessly, about who it will be. After I reported that this morning, I immediately got a text from someone within the SEC and basically said what I have been thinking. It is North Carolina and Virginia will be highly contested between both conferences and where they end up, nobody knows, it is impossible to say, but I do think that they are the most attractive to both leagues. We will have to wait and see what happens, five years is a long time, two years is way but year speculate recklessly."
If you follow the realignment, you would know UVa was mentioned a lot more often than VT.
Link:
2025
(In response to this post by NC Hoke)
4d
An article on a UVa site praising UVa? That the writer leads in by admitting it is all opinions and speculation? I don’t see anything in that article promoting UVa’s football prowess and as we all know football drives the car in college sports. Like many UVa stories I’ve seen, that article pumps up their olympic sports. Really, is that what the P2 is looking for in expansion?
VT actually built a football brand. UVa never had one. I’m not saying UVa won’t be selected, but that talk about UVa and UNC being joined at the hip in expansion seems more about what’s on UVa fans’ wish list. I do follow expansion talks and I see VT come up as often as UVa in alignment stories. At least, enough to be an optimist that VT is in a pretty good position to be included in a number of expansion scenarios should the ACC be picked apart by the SEC and B1G. I don’t see UVa being in a UNC pairing as much as I see NC State getting pulled along with UNC. Much like a VT-UVa pairing. Politics.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
S
Stech
6d
adding new members, not sure that’s so relevant today. Plus B10 football has now won 3 straight national championships, so the SEC is likely shifting their priorities IMHO.
PS Unlike you, I don’t have a lot trust in the media reports, not because they misreport the moment, but because things change quickly. Just look how fast things changed in 2003 with Virginia Tech, look how Texas A&M said no Texas in the SEC, look how Washington and Oregon were left out of the B10, look how UCLA wasn’t going to the B10 without Cal. Priorities change really fast on expansion to get the deal done.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
6d
Extrernal factors may change the situation as well.
But that doesn't necessarily support the argument that VT would be invited or VT is ahead of UVa at this point.
(In response to this post by Stech)
H
Hokie83
6d
Only way either expand is if new Members can Increase the Conference Revenue and not dilute the current Payouts and not sure Uva would increase a Conferences Revenue and same could be said about VT and the other candidates...
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
S
Stech
6d
has been much better than UNC the last few years, so I have a hard time buying that argument. Especially when College 🏀 even at the top doesn’t come close to 🏈 revenue.
PS NC State is 8-2 against UNC the last ten years.
(In response to this post by Hokie83)
5d
and, yes, they also watch UNC football games. Clearly basketball is #1 in their minds, but they definitely watch UNC football too, and are way, way more serious about it than I thought based upon the UNC fan stereotype. I never would have believed this until I married my wife and had to spend time with her extended family, who all live in North Carolina. When you combine that with the notion that the average 18-45 year old Joe Sixpack living all the way across the country in California who doesn't even watch college football can immediately recognize the UNC logo and tell you Michael Jordan went there, what you get is pretty potent brand recognition and value.
There are Duke fans in NC, but, and I mean this sincerely, you might find 1 Duke fan for every 25 UNC fans, and they don't watch or care about Duke football at all. I'd be willing to bet there are more Duke fans in NYC and Connecticut than in NC, also none of which watch or care about Duke football.
NCSU football is a thing I guess, but, sort of like Duke you're going to find 1 NCSU fan for every 20 UNC fans, and they are primarily interested in and focused on basketball. There's a reason Dave Doeren has a 51-55 ACC record, 5-6 bowl record, and .576 win percentage overall at NCSU, and you never even hear a whisper about him getting fired.
Wake Forest is less than nothing when it comes to brand value or interest. If they weren't grandfathered onto what they consider the ultimate gravy train, they'd probably be playing in the FCS.
(In response to this post by Stech)
6d
Atlantic Coast Bias. The Idea that UVA or UNC are desired football brands is delusional.
(In response to this post by Stech)
1w
history of conference realignment, no news report has had the scoop on moves until after they happen. And I have been following this since 2003. Any sources/reports should be viewed as speculation/entertainment rather than solid info
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1w
UNC and UVa pair makes sense to me, though.
(In response to this post by HboroughHokie)
H
Hokie83
1w
They bring nothing as far as increasing a conference’s Revenue Pie, Football is the cash cow and they can’t even sell out their stadium
I don’t think UVA and Unc are tied at the hip like some think either but time will tell and VT is very much on the expansion board if and when it happens but again time will tell if we get the call or left out
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1w
school would it choose?
Their permanent rivals are Duke, UVa and NC State.
If the SEC will have to pick one from the above three, which school would it choose?
Only one school will them a new market.
By the way when I suggested on this board VT should try to play UNC more often, the feedback was overwhelmingly negative.
(In response to this post by Hokie83)
5d
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1w
leave to go anywhere unless NC State has a P2 landing spot. UNC has had their leash shortened by the powers that be in Raleigh over the past few years.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
5d
conference realignment, despite all threats and speculation otherwise. Affect it, sure, but not outright stop it.
So, I continue to be skeptical with all these assumptive posts about how the VA and NC legislatures are going to ultimately prohibit UNC or VT from accepting a P2 invite if NCSU, Duke, UVA, or whoever else can't get one. It's one of those deals where everyone is 100% sure about it, but can't actually provide a source or anything other than what they heard one time from someone, which is exactly the same way I'm sure all the folks at Cal felt right up until it set in that, yes, UCLA was leaving the PAC-12.
(In response to this post by HboroughHokie)
5d
The last I checked, OU was in the SEC, and OSU is still sitting right where they have been for several decades.
Or, am I misunderstanding your post?
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
5d
unsuccessful. When there were rumors that Texas, Oklahoma, and others might go to the PAC years ago, it was said that the PAC didn't take them because OU and OSU were a pair. It was a big deal, and Oklahoma politics were involved. That realignment didn't happen, so there wasn't any legislation passed.
When it was released that OUT were going to the SEC, there were no rumors proceeding the leak. If you remember, there was no press release or announcement that an agreement had been made. They got caught, and there was nothing that could be done. MUCH like UCLA and Cal. No one in the California educational system saw that coming, and like OUT, everyone got caught with their pants down.
In the ACC, it's like a slow train wreck as everyone can see something will happen, and there are a ton of rumors and opinions. Will it be a real surprise when it happens? All of the schools in the ACC have been given time to prepare, improve, or make contingency plans. The Hateful 8 in the B12, and those in the PAC had no such luxury.
If anyone gets caught without a chair to land on in the ACC, then either they have no worth, are not paying attention, or didn't get the memo that this is still about football.
(In response to this post by Baltimore_Hokie)
V
VTCALS72
5d
it is the B10 and SEC coming to them with hat in hand rather than they going to the SEC and Big 10 hat in hand. Yes they will try very hard to pick and choose who they want and don't want. IMHO they have never and will never willingly take any positive action wrt VT. It is simple, when VT is doing well, we are taking too many assets UNC thinks they would get if we were not able to compete with them. They do not fear competing with UVA in the DMV area but we are a different story.
They never wanted us in the ACC and the reason played out VT 4 conference championships, UNC zero.
(In response to this post by HboroughHokie)
6d
now.
It's not really difficult to understand in my opinion.
Can VT increase its chance? Absolutely.
We have a new coach and new admin, that would invest more.
But as of right now, we are outside looking in.
(In response to this post by HboroughHokie)
T
TDVick
6d
to the SEC if it leads to VT getting stranded. I thought this was largely true even in 2011, when our program was much better. Why? Because UNC is highly desired and they prefer to pair with UVA rather than VT.
The problem is that other teams like Clemson and Miami improved since 2011.
Also from a political science motive, Mark Warner realized that VT has more appeal in rural areas and it behooved him to be very conspicuous in his support for VT in 2003, so that he could triangulate and add to his coalition.
Once one party begins to dominate, there is less incentive to do this. If the expansion table gets set so that it comes down to one school lands a spot or NO SCHOOL lands a spot, which is quite possible, how does that play out? In that case, I agree with you that UVa probably gets selected.
The optimistic view for VT is that if a P2 expands into VA, the other P2 will want a presence. That is why UVa needs to land in the B10.
** Edited by TDVick at 7/26/2026, 5:37:48 AM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
6d
If one P2 enters NC or VA, the other one will need a foothold. Consequently, if one school goes, the parallel school will also be scooped up.
He is how it will happen. The SEC will approach UNC. The B10 will react by talking with UVA, VT and NCSU. The B10 will not leap over VA to get to NC. It will be a geographic imperative to push down from the north.
Once all 4 schools are in play the horse trading begins. But undoubtably the final result will be one B10 and one SEC school in each state. If the SEC is shortsighted and the B10 is characteristically aggressive, it is possible that UVA, VT and NCSU all end up in the B10.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
H
HouClone
1w
Big 10:
Florida State
Miami
SEC:
North Carolina
Clemson
Virginia Tech
Kansas
I reluctantly put in Clemson but don't see a better 4th. I figured Florida State wouldn't be doing all their stuff the past few years without some assurance from either the Big 10 or SEC. You could argue the same for Clemson but not sure.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
S
Stech
1w
too. If you are going to take two in a state, wouldn’t you want more people and a much higher income too? Whether it’s subscriptions or advertisers, where do you invest your money for a return?
** Edited by Stech at 7/24/2026, 5:48:13 PM
(In response to this post by HouClone)
1w
viewership numbers according to AI:
"South Carolina football averaged 4.122 million to 4.154 million television viewers per game during the regular season, ranking No. 13 nationally among all college football teams."
Markets as being the driver for conference realignment is so old fashioned, you have to discuss Rutgers and Maryland.
** Edited by Big12 guy at 7/24/2026, 9:14:51 PM
(In response to this post by Stech)
1w
It's not South Carolina moving the needle. It's who they're playing.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
3d
Their other games were below 2m or on SECN where we don't have numbers.
Those three games were also on a main channel at key times. So the numbers are heavily influenced by opponent, channel, and game time.
Plus it's an average. FSU is right below them in average for the regular season, but had much higher big game numbers (10.6m, 6m, 4.3m) and consistently solid numbers. But FSU also had more games on main channels where we know the numbers, so the average is based on 7 games with viewership numbers. South Carolina only had info for 5 games. So the FSU average is smaller, but more accurate.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
3d
considerably versus playing ACC games. So it’s apples and oranges. I do suspect that VT’s numbers go up considerably this year with Franklin there in the beginning of the season, and Clemson, Miami, SMU and UVA at the end of the season. Especially if we win two or more of those end of season games.
(In response to this post by HokieAl)
2
2hhoop3
3d
recruiting rankings. A somewhat self fulfilling prophecy. Get the right channel, a favorable starting time and the opponent can be somewhat questionable. Get the right channel, a good opponent and even a marginal time and they likely pull at least a decent number. The constant is the channel. Draw a bad channel and your number is limited by the channel distribution. The SEC and B1G control the OTAs and main cable as well as the best times, they can't help but pull adequate numbers.
(In response to this post by HokieAl)
1w
Based on how they act in the ACC
(In response to this post by HouClone)
1w
conferences, and are both satisfied with the outcome.
(In response to this post by MrFantastic!)
S
Stech
1w
to a P2 for sure IMHO. Think about what’s good for the state and not what’s good for your individual school.
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
T
TDVick
6d
I have my pecking order for which schools have the most clout to get selected.
If the expansion numbers were 44, which I think are sort of odd compared to 40, then I would feel better about our chances.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
S
Stech
1w
make it, but I would love to understand your optimism for UVA and pessimism for Virginia Tech. TIA
** Edited by Stech at 7/24/2026, 5:53:19 PM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1w
Neither is a slam dunk candidate. As a possible tag along candidate, UVa is a better match for UNC.
At least UVa has an AAU membership.
UVA got more money if my understanding is correct.
VT's location is harder to get to.
But let's ask @CobbCountyHokie.
Do his sources think VT has a better chance than UVa as of now?
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
1w
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
1w
(In response to this post by Stech)
5d
"Do you think VT's football viewership would be higher than the average SEC/B10 team if VT were in either of those conferences?"
If you put VT in the SEC or Big 10 tomorrow, then, at worst, they draw ratings that are commensurate with or better than the current "average" member of either of those conferences, and I think this is especially so when it comes to the Big 10. Do you think more people would rather watch Ohio State or Michigan vs. VT, or Rutgers, or Maryland, or Purdue, or Minnesota, or Illinois?
It's disingenuous to ask the question the way you put it, knowing that 90% of ACC teams are going to play every single one of their games on ESPN2 (absolute best case,) ESPNU, ESPN News, ACCN, the CW, or on streaming only (i.e., ACCNX.) Oh, an ACC program can't compete for viewership with SEC programs that play all their games on free OTA ABC, ESPN, or ESPN 2 when they're on ACCN? What a shocker!
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
5d
The thing is while we would have better matchups and potentially better TV coverage, our record would likely suffer.
Many UMCP and Rutgers games are on BTN. Many second tier SEC games are on SECN.
UMCP, Rutgers, Neb, Missouri, etc are still lagging the P2 peers. VT is not in a top rating group even in the ACC. I think we are behind UL.
VT's rating won't be in the top half of the SEC/B10 unless our football team drastically improves. That's the first step.
(In response to this post by Baltimore_Hokie)
6d
or the B10 wants.
Now answer my questions. You seem to love investigating but rarely answer.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
6d
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
** Edited by Stech at 7/26/2026, 6:48:55 AM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
6d
“Do you think expansion is about football TV ratings first?”.
My answer was that football rating matters.
If you ask what matter most, I would say $$$.
The expasion is about money first. Does it answer your question? I am getting tired of your investigation. Do you always ask like that if your opponent doesn't agree with you?
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
you know it. Nobody is that dumb to not know that.
TV ratings bring the most money, so instead of deflecting, just say TV ratings matter the most or they don’t, and don’t dance the question. I will immediately answer your question once you stop dodging my exact question.
** Edited by Stech at 7/26/2026, 7:02:27 AM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
6d
deal. But NOT always as Rutgers was invited before.
In the end it's all about $$$.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
ACC teams didn’t want to leave back then. Schools in the ACC couldn’t see Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech falling off like they did. So the B10 took a gamble with Rutgers and the NYC area market if Rutgers was playing better competition.
Now to answer your question, no with a 3-9 team we are not in the middle of the SEC or B10, but do I think with the $229 million invested and James Franklin leading us, will we get there fast? Yes, and if we win an enough of the 50-50 games this year, it could happen this year. The question is does Grunk stay healthy, changing a QB mid season can lead to losing a couple of 50-50’s by itself.
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
2
2hhoop3
6d
check your research on Rutgers. I believe you will find they were Delaney's number 2 because of the TVs and subscriber numbers of the NYC area first and the geographic fit with PSU and UMCP second.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
that Maryland wanted to bring UVA and or UNC instead of Rutgers, but they couldn’t get them. I believe that, you might not, but I do believe it, and we all know Rutgers is doing what they hoped for in the B10. Following is more important than markets.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
6d
and, like you said, Maryland would have liked to bring UVA or UNC along. The problem was Jim Delaney and the B1G were calling the shots and their focus was the NYC TV market.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
leverage, I agree with that,
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
6d
the best metrics for the media revenue generation.
I guess we are in agreement that VT is not there yet and has a possibility to improve its chance.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
many at ESPN think of Virginia Tech football as one of their favorite fan bases. Especially the way the fans backed the team when it was obvious we were just trying to ride Beam’s coattails at the administration level.
Now just win the next play/game. Go Hokies!!!
** Edited by Stech at 7/26/2026, 8:04:42 AM
(In response to this post by RandomAsianGuy)
2
2hhoop3
6d
statement "many at ESPN think of VT football as one of their favorite fan bases" come from? That may have been true at one time but, with the passing of years and changes in the sport and at VT that seems like a stretch now.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
night games has been very good. Also, comments about this fan base deserves better. Sure it’s not like it was when we had our 8 straight years of 10+ wins, but considering our record, I thought it was very good. I even think the Andrea Adleson article was to try kick our administration in gear. I never heard them say we couldn’t get back, I heard them say or write they just need to get back to supporting the football team better.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
6d
announcers are complimentary and talk about former times, just not sure that translates to "MANY at ESPN think of VT as one of their favorite fan bases.". SOME most likely still do but, between turnover, other changes, etc. the relationship has changed from the heyday of VT football.
(In response to this post by Stech)
S
Stech
6d
the SEC’s perspective. That and NIL changing their basketball too. I know I am in the minority here thinking if the P2 expand Virginia Tech makes it, but only time will tell. Lots of posturing right now with schools thinking it might be sooner rather than later. So it has a lot to do with which school is feeding the media information, I know you know that,
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
6d
discussion in this thread was about whether VT will make it to the P2 or not, just differing perceptions of how high and wide opinions of VT at ESPN might be. Everything these days revolves around who and what propaganda is being spread and what the motivations are.
** Edited by 2hhoop3 at 7/26/2026, 12:36:03 PM
(In response to this post by Stech)
1w
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
1w
in end game. Rather have a league of elite academia. Play football and try win their league..... Be great in other sports? Would Unc? Not care if a VT went to SEC and played in league where it is all about winning.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
1w
If not B1G, they appear content staying in the ACC with Stanford. Duke, etc
(In response to this post by MrFantastic!)
1w
"Let's make it harder for premier our universities to gain a benefit...yeah, the ones who have basically no bargaining power...let's make them less attractive. Let's make it easier for both to suffer if there's P2 expansion wanted into VA."
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
1w
A P2 invite just because the other in-state school didn't get one. That's a lot of people that are not going to vote for you in the next election. If you can get one school an invite then you take it. Then hope you can get the other one in at some future point. Politicians might use this joined at the hip concept to try to leverage and get both schools in. But ultimately they have no leverage. They're just bluffing. It would be extremely foolish and self-destructive to require a school to turn down a P2 invite. And the SEC and Big Ten both know that. I've always said this joined at the hip concept is wishful thinking. No politician wants to die on that Hill. Bluff all they want.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
1w
And when it became clear the ship was sinking and there weren't enough lifeboats, they saved their primary brands and left the rest to drown.
(In response to this post by wwhokie1)
H
HouClone
1w
Big 10:
North Carolina
Virginia
SEC:
Virginia Tech
NC State
Florida State
Miami or Kansas
Three Florida teams in the SEC seems a stretch thus Kansas.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
2
2hhoop3
1w
in place of Florida State. It would be both glorious and ironic to see FSU and Clemson shut out. Heads would be exploding in both Tallahassee and Clemson.
(In response to this post by HouClone)
1w
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
1w
(In response to this post by Sunsetunderground)
J
JM397
1w
I think that is the problem for them, not money.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
5d
Folks can say what they want about VT, but VT football has a brand. It's not the biggest brand, nor is it the oldest, most established brand, but it's definitely a brand.
UVA can hang with the best when it comes to some sports, and we all know exactly what sports I'm talking about. Football is not, and has never been one of those sports. UVA football has never, for even a brief period of time in its entire history, been "cool." It has no identity, no brand, and is not a product anybody really cares to watch apart from what I'm inclined to believe would be a minority of UVA students and alumni. Nobody has ever uttered the words "College football is better when UVA is really good." Nobody has ever even uttered the words "ACC football is better when UVA is really good."
I know I'm just a rando on a message board, and a VT message board at that, but here's something I truly believe you can take to the bank - anybody that offers the opinion that UVA is a prime P2 expansion target is fulfilling an agenda that is something other than, "accurately trying to forecast the future of conference realignment."
(In response to this post by JM397)
J
JM397
4d
(In response to this post by Baltimore_Hokie)
1w
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
1w
I heard a stat yesterday that they are the only P4 team in the last 25 years to not have a 10 win season. They are sneaky bad.
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
1w
more at stake, hooboos [sorta like hobo's? 🤓] vs Hokies and B10 vs SEC = more viewership = more broadcast money.
sounds like a lot of winners therein.
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
1w
the case given what Congress is trying to do now and even their thoughts the proposed bill could have on future realignment.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
V
Vippie1
1w
And makes the most clean efficient way to NFLize college football for the major networks. Im sure their white page projections show that structure as Case 1A.
Left alone by Congress, Courts and Public Opinion that will be likely the end game. But i dont think it will be left alone.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)
S
Stech
1w
** Edited by Stech at 7/23/2026, 12:08:33 PM
(In response to this post by Vippie1)
20 would allow you to do 2 ten team divisions
so 9 division games, 1 game against a team in the other division, and 2 other games.
(In response to this post by Vippie1)
S
Stech
1w
It's going to be regular season rankings with a huge emphasis on strength of schedule maybe even somewhat more than record IMHO.
PS Even Finebaum that loves the SEC Champ Game said this week that he sees expansion and the end of Conference Championship games happening. His biggest gripe is going to be watering down the significance of the regular season if you expand the playoff teams, but the opposite has happened with the expansion that has happened so far. People now follow more than 4-5 teams and ratings for college football are going back up after a slight decline when the National Championship became an SEC rerun.
** Edited by Stech at 7/23/2026, 11:56:49 AM
(In response to this post by hokieninsurance)
1w
the winner getting the #1 seed on the SEC (or Big Ten) side of the bracket. Sponsors may be willing to provide prize money depending on if the team finishes 1st, 2nd, or co-3rd. I guess the conference could do a 3rd Place game leading into the Championship Game if the sponsor wants to give different amounts for 3rd and 4th place.
(In response to this post by Stech)
1w
games from another division each year. Total nine conference games. In 3 years you play everybody in the conference. Top team from each division plays in a four team conference playoff. Winner plays the champion from the Big Ten for a national championship.
That could work
** Edited by wwhokie1 at 7/23/2026, 9:58:02 PM
(In response to this post by VTHokie2000)
S
Stech
1w
so you play them all as fast as possible, in a home and away matchup series.
(In response to this post by VTHokie2000)
1w
the CCG. 4 division games plus 5 or 6 rotating games should mean teams get through playing the other teams quicker which would still be align in with what you are suggesting.
(In response to this post by Stech)
1w
Possible 5-team pods and switching other pods each season, but even then, they may just have one rival and rotate the other 9 each season do you play every one in the conference more often.
(In response to this post by hokieninsurance)
1w
by far the way to go with the conferences being this large. 20 member institution conference across the board is not out of the question IMO. That gives the SEC room for 4, the BIG room for two, and on down the line. Everything hinges on which schools the P2 take, but from my perspective, the B12 would be a strong third if this all plays out the way I think it will.
(In response to this post by The_VT_Rock)
1w
Bama Auburn LSU MISS St Ole Miss
Texas TAMU ARK Mizzou and OU
FLA GA Tenn Vandy and KY
FSU Clemson South Carolina VT and State
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
S
Stech
1w
Geographical Scheduling. I hate the word Pods being used for this, unless Pods incorporated wants to write a big sponsorship check. :-) Even that I am not sure they are the appropriate sponsor since they are more about moving these days, and these geographical scheduling need to be the same every year to create better rivalries. Something historically the ACC can grasp for basketball, but not for football for some reason. Granted, it is getting better, but they had to be hit over the head with a stick to finally start doing it. :-)
** Edited by Stech at 7/23/2026, 1:04:11 PM
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
1w
anything they want, as long as traditional rivalries come back.
(In response to this post by Stech)
1w
UNC and ND top of that list? Or would they rather for select few to go INDY for football and a conference for other sports? We know UNC can get in either. In reality do they desire giving up the ACC, Duke and power?
(In response to this post by hokieninsurance)
1w
to do, and looking at the moves they have made positions them much better. They told KU that they needed a new football stadium, and frankly, a football team. They too have been spending and raising a ton of money. When I say "they", it could be either the BIG or SEC. KU has been actually vetted by the BIG, and rumored for the SEC.
(In response to this post by CobbCountyHokie)