Locked On ACC - Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast · Locked On Podcast Network, Candace Cooper, Kenton Gibbs

ACC SQUAD - The ACC Could REALIGN | How This Impacts The Conference

·31 min·2 clips

Dan Wetzel suggests Michigan and Ohio State could make $100 million each as independents from one game.

This episode of the Locked On ACC podcast features hosts Alex Dono, Kenton Gibbs, and Brian Smith analyzing potential college football realignment and ACC team outlooks. They examine a provocative idea from ESPN's Dan Wetzel about major programs potentially leaving their conferences. Wetzel's hypothesis notes the annual Michigan-Ohio State game generates roughly $200 million in TV revenue. He suggests those schools could make more as independents, compared to the Big Ten's current per-school distribution of about $78 million. The hosts debate the feasibility of such a "de-alignment," with Brian Smith noting significant obstacles like Title IX compliance and scheduling for non-football sports. Alex Dono points out the logistical nightmare of placing Olympic sports in smaller conferences like the MAAC. A key insight is that the ACC already employs an uneven revenue distribution model, rewarding teams for playoff success and higher TV ratings. The hosts contrast this with the Big Ten's current equal revenue share, questioning why powerhouse and lower-revenue schools receive identical payouts. They suggest financial pressure might eventually force the Big Ten to adopt a similar unequal model. The conversation shifts to evaluating Virginia Tech as a potential "boom or bust" team under new coach James Franklin, despite a challenging road schedule featuring trips to Clemson, SMU, and Miami. Brian Smith expresses skepticism about quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer's ability to lead a winner, while Kenton Gibbs highlights Clemson as another unpredictable team due to inconsistent performance. The tone is conversational and opinionated, featuring lively debate among informed hosts with specific team allegiances. Listeners interested in the financial future of college sports and ACC football competitiveness would enjoy this episode. Those seeking a strictly news-focused or non-speculative format might find the hypothetical discussions less engaging.

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