Florida State, Clemson decide whether to leave the ACC by deadline

ACC Network – Florida State University fans gather for a FSU Seminole football game in Doak Campbell Stadium. — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Ruth Peterkin

It seems Clemson and Florida State have made a definitive choice on their membership in the ACC, at least with regard to their near future in the conference, amidst the continuous rumors surrounding college football realignment.

ESPN reports that neither school appears to be planning to inform the ACC that it will be leaving the conference at the conclusion of the 2024–25 football season.

Members of the conference must announce by August 15th whether they intend to leave the league at the end of the current season and before the 2025–2026 campaign.

However, it seems that this period will pass and the major brands will remain with the ACC for the time being, as was to be expected given the existing legal landscape.

Since both colleges filed cases against the conference, there has been talk of Clemson and Florida State quitting the ACC.

In an attempt to contest the steep exit cost the ACC levies on members who choose to depart prior to 2036, when the league’s existing grant of rights deal is scheduled to expire, Florida State and Clemson filed a lawsuit against the ACC.

Among other conference realignments last offseason, they were part of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” institutions that defied the conference and demanded a larger piece of the action.

Following the lawsuits’ release, speculations have linked Clemson, Florida State, and other ACC universities to the SEC or Big Ten in the event of future realignment; however, insiders in both conferences have allegedly played down interest in the connections.

It seems that Florida State and Clemson will remain in the conference for the upcoming season, even if they are still pursuing legal action against the ACC.


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