Sat Sep 20 16:50:00 UTC 2025: **ACC Debates New Scheduling Format Requiring 10 Power 4 Games**

**Charlotte, NC** – The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is on the verge of overhauling its football scheduling format, with athletic directors set to meet Monday in Charlotte to discuss a proposal requiring all league teams to play at least 10 games against Power 4 competition.

The primary point of contention remains the number of intraconference games, with options of either a nine-game conference slate plus one Power 4 nonconference game (9+1) or an eight-game slate with two Power 4 nonconference games (8+2) under consideration.

The potential move is largely driven by the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) recent decision to move to a nine-game conference schedule and the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s emphasis on strength of schedule. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips reportedly favors the nine-game conference model to match the SEC.

While a straw poll suggests a majority of ACC ADs are in favor of the nine-game model, some, including Clemson and Florida State, express concerns about the limitations it would place on scheduling marquee nonconference matchups. These schools also worry that more conference games may lead to a decline in TV ratings and revenue for the ACC.

Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich noted the uncertainty surrounding the future of the CFP as a major factor in making the decision. “Hopefully, Jim [Phillips] will give us some insight into that when we get together Monday and help set the table that, hey, nine is going to be really important for us to keep a very good seat at the table as it relates to the other CFP commissioners and the Power 4 conferences,” Radakovich said. “It all depends on how big the CFP gets. That’s another driving factor we won’t know.”

No additional revenue is expected from ESPN if the scheduling format is changed, according to the article.

A final vote is not expected for several weeks, and implementation of the new schedule is unlikely before the 2026 season.

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