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Ranking the ACC’s best expansion candidates to counter the Big 12

By John Scimeca

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 03: Corey Dauphine #6 of the Tulane Green Wave runs in a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 03, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 03: Corey Dauphine #6 of the Tulane Green Wave runs in a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 03, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 12: Puddles the mascot of the Oregon Ducks cheers against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 12: Puddles the mascot of the Oregon Ducks cheers against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) /

1. Oregon and 2. Washington (pair)

With the impending move of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, it’s clear that physical geography doesn’t have to play a big role in the latest round of conference musical chairs. The Trojans and the Bruins will be loading up their planes to travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, and State College, Pennsylvania because their leaders feel that the Pac-12 is a sinking ship. Colorado further reinforced this notion by leaving for the Big 12.

The Ducks and the Huskies have large fan bases and have had successful programs. These two football teams have outperformed USC in recent years, despite the Trojans’ rich history, its Los Angeles location, and extensive resources.

If the ACC wants two nationally prominent programs that aren’t attached to one of the other power conferences, it’s Oregon and Washington. If BYU, Central Florida, Baylor, and West Virginia can all share a conference, why not Oregon and the ACC?

Oregon is arguably one of college football’s Top 10 or 15 programs. The Ducks won in the double-digits for seven straight years from 2008 to 2014, which included a BCS title game appearance in 2010. Oregon has also win six Pac-12 titles in the past 13 seasons.

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Washington is capable of being elite and is fresh off an 11-2 season. The Huskies made the 2016 College Football Playoff and lost to Alabama in the semifinals, marking the only time a Pac-12 team has reached the CFP.

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