Recent reports indicate that the University of North Carolina (UNC) is actively exploring a departure from the ACC, with the SEC as its primary target. This speculation has intensified following the recent settlement of lawsuits between the ACC, Florida State, and Clemson, which revealed a decreasing exit fee for schools. The exit fee is set to drop to a more "manageable" $75 million by the 2030-31 school year, a date that is seen as a key window for potential realignment.

Should UNC indeed announce an attempt to leave the ACC, it is widely anticipated that this would trigger a significant ripple effect, leading other prominent ACC schools, including Louisville and Miami, to explore their options, with the Big 12 being a highly probable destination.

Here's why Louisville and Miami are expected to explore joining the Big 12 in such a scenario:

Financial Imperative: The driving force behind any realignment is almost always financial. The Big 12's current media rights deal, while not as lucrative as the SEC or Big Ten, offers significantly more revenue per school than the ACC's. As the revenue gap widens, schools like Louisville and Miami, which have strong athletic programs and significant fan bases, will be highly motivated to seek a conference that can provide greater financial stability and resources to compete in the evolving NIL and collegiate sports landscape.

Decreasing Exit Fees: The reduced ACC exit fee by 2030-31 makes a move financially feasible. While still a substantial amount, it's far less prohibitive than the hundreds of millions initially discussed, allowing schools to justify the cost for a more lucrative future.

Big 12's "Open for Business" Stance: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has been very aggressive and public about the conference's willingness to expand and innovate. The Big 12 has already demonstrated its ability to adapt and grow by adding former Pac-12 and AAC schools. They are actively looking for valuable additions that enhance their media markets and competitive profile.

Attractive Athletic Programs:

Miami: The Hurricanes bring a historically strong football brand and a significant media market in Florida. While their football program has been inconsistent, the potential to revitalize that brand within a financially stronger conference is appealing. South Florida is also a fertile recruiting ground that the Big 12 would love to tap into further (they already have UCF in Florida).

Louisville: The Cardinals boast consistently competitive programs in both football and men's basketball, two key revenue-generating sports. Their basketball program, in particular, would further strengthen the Big 12's already elite basketball conference. Geographically, Louisville also provides a relative bridge for the Big 12's easternmost schools like West Virginia and Cincinnati.

Maintaining "Power Conference" Status: If UNC, Florida State, and Clemson (who are also widely speculated to be looking at the SEC or Big Ten) were to leave the ACC, the remaining ACC schools would face a significant downgrade in perceived "power conference" status. Joining the Big 12 would allow Louisville and Miami to remain in a strong, stable, and financially competitive league, ensuring their long-term viability at the highest level of college athletics.

While no official announcements have been made by Louisville or Miami regarding their intentions to leave the ACC after a hypothetical UNC departure, the current realignment climate and the financial incentives strongly suggest that such moves would be actively explored if the ACC's top brands begin to exit.

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When discussing how much five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons is "being paid" (referring to his Name, Image, and Likeness or NIL valuation), it's important to understand a few things:

NIL Valuations vs. Actual Deals: Recruiting services like On3 provide an "NIL Valuation" for top recruits. This is an estimated annual value of their NIL based on factors like social media following, on-field performance, perceived marketability, and the NIL landscape. It's not necessarily the exact amount of money a player is guaranteed to receive from a specific deal or collective.

Ryder Lyons' On3 NIL Valuation: As of late June 2025, Ryder Lyons holds a $785,000 On3 NIL valuation. This places him among the top prospects nationally in terms of his potential earning power through NIL.

His Comments on NIL: Interestingly, despite his high valuation and the fact that he received numerous offers from major programs known for their substantial NIL backing (like USC and Oregon), Lyons himself has stated that NIL money was not the primary driver of his decision to commit to BYU. During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" after his commitment, Lyons acknowledged the complexity of NIL: "It's hard," he said of his recruitment and NIL offers. "It's hard for sure. I do have someone who handles it for me. I have an agent. I have a whole team. But it definitely makes it just confusing. I mean, you're thrown a lot of money from a lot of different places." However, he emphasized that his long-term goal is to make it to the NFL, "because that's where the serious money is."

BYU's NIL Approach (Less Transparent but Effective): BYU, as a private university, is less transparent about its NIL efforts. However, their ability to secure commitments from high-profile recruits like Lyons (and previously five-star men's basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa) suggests that their collective (Royal Blue NIL) is competitive and effective, even if they don't publicly disclose specific deal amounts. Lyons' decision indicates that BYU's unique cultural fit, early belief in him (they were his first offer), strong quarterback development history, and his own LDS faith and mission plans outweighed potential higher NIL offers from other schools.

In summary, while Ryder Lyons has a significant estimated NIL valuation and clearly received substantial offers from various programs, he has personally downplayed the role of NIL money in his commitment to BYU, suggesting other factors were more important to him.

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The Big 12 is eyeing the 2030-2031 timeframe as a potential window to "steal" schools from the ACC due to the evolving dynamics of the ACC's Grant of Rights (GOR) and media deal. While the ACC's primary media rights deal with ESPN runs through 2036, recent developments indicate a potential softening of the exit fees for member institutions.

Here's why the Big 12 could make a move in that period:

Decreasing Exit Fees: The ACC's exit fee, which was initially estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, is reportedly set to decrease. Court documents from lawsuits between Florida State, Clemson, and the ACC have revealed details about this. The exit fee is expected to level off at $75 million in 2030-31. This significantly lower figure makes leaving the conference a more financially palatable decision for schools looking to maximize their revenue.

Alignment with Other Media Rights Negotiations: The 2030-31 timeframe is crucial because it aligns with when the Big Ten and Big 12's current media rights deals are also up for renegotiation. The SEC's deal runs through 2034, but there's a possibility of an early look-in. This means that the Big 12 would be entering a new media rights negotiation cycle potentially with a stronger, expanded footprint, which could increase its overall value.

ACC Schools Seeking Higher Revenue: Schools like Florida State and Clemson have been vocal about the financial disparity between their ACC revenue shares and those of the Big Ten and SEC. Even with the ACC's new revenue distribution policies that include performance incentives, the gap is expected to widen. The prospect of earning significantly more money in the Big 12 (or SEC/Big Ten) would be a powerful motivator for these schools once their exit fees become more manageable.

Strategic Expansion for the Big 12: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has consistently stated that the conference is "open for business" and is looking for opportunities to grow and innovate. Poaching established ACC programs would enhance the Big 12's geographic reach, potentially adding valuable media markets and strong athletic brands in both football and basketball. Schools like Miami, Louisville, and Pittsburgh have been mentioned as potential targets due to their strong athletic programs and strategic locations.

ACC Instability: The ongoing lawsuits and public discontent from some ACC members regarding the GOR and revenue distribution create an environment of instability. This internal strife within the ACC could make it more vulnerable to raids when the financial penalties for departure become less prohibitive.

In essence, the combination of a more accessible exit fee from the ACC, the timing of other major conference media rights negotiations, and the Big 12's aggressive expansion strategy creates a fertile ground for potential realignment in the early 2030s.

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UNC Exploring Potential Move to SEC: What You Need to Know Recent reports, notably from Inside Carolina and corroborated by outlets like ESPN and On3, suggest that the University of North Carolina is actively looking to depart the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has the SEC as its primary target for future conference alignment. This comes amid ongoing conference realignment discussions and legal battles within the ACC. Why UNC Would Want to Join the SEC: Financial Imperative: This is the overwhelming driving factor. The SEC's media rights deals offer significantly higher annual payouts to its member institutions compared to the ACC. UNC, like many other ACC schools, is seeking to maximize its revenue to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly with the escalating costs of NIL and overall program investment. Reports indicate the ACC's exit fees are currently around $165 million, but are set to drop to a more "manageable" $75 million by the 2030-31 school year, which is seen as a key target date. Strategic Positioning: UNC wants to ensure its long-term stability and competitiveness in a "power conference." The SEC, along with the Big Ten, is widely considered one of the two dominant conferences in college sports, particularly in football. Leadership's Vision: Under Chancellor Lee Roberts and incoming Athletic Director Steve Newmark, there's a reported strategic push to position UNC for this kind of move. UNC's leadership is also said to have played a key role behind the scenes in negotiating the recent settlement between the ACC, Clemson, and Florida State, which has potentially made it easier for schools to explore departure pathways. The "Belichick Effect": While directly unrelated to conference alignment, the recent hiring of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick for the UNC football program has generated unprecedented excitement and ticket sales, with all home games reportedly sold out for the upcoming season. This heightened profile could align with a desire for a more prominent conference stage. Why the SEC Would Want UNC: Basketball Blue Blood: UNC is one of college basketball's most iconic and successful programs, a true "blue blood" of the sport. Adding UNC would significantly elevate the SEC's already strong basketball profile, giving it another national brand alongside Kentucky. Valuable Media Market: North Carolina is a large and growing media market. Bringing UNC into the SEC would expand the conference's geographic footprint and deliver a new, significant audience to its media partners. It's noteworthy that the SEC Network headquarters are located in Charlotte, North Carolina, making the state a natural fit. Academic Profile: UNC is a highly respected academic institution, which is often a factor that appeals to conferences like the SEC (and Big Ten) when considering expansion, as it can enhance the overall academic prestige of the league. Competitive Balance (Football): While UNC is known more for basketball, its football program has shown flashes of strong performance and has a national following. While not an immediate football powerhouse like some SEC stalwarts, it offers a solid program in a new territory. Challenges and Timeline: ACC Grant of Rights & Exit Fees: The ACC's grant of rights agreement historically tied schools to the conference's media deal until 2036, making departures incredibly costly. While recent legal settlements might have eased some of these constraints, the exit fees remain substantial in the short term. The 2030-31 academic year, when the buyout reportedly drops to $75 million, is often cited as a more realistic window for a potential move. SEC's Current Stance: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has stated that the conference is content with its current 16 members (after adding Texas and Oklahoma). This suggests that any further expansion would not be immediate and would likely be driven by significant strategic advantages. Other ACC Schools: UNC is reportedly not alone in its exploration; Clemson and Florida State have been publicly battling the ACC over similar issues. It's possible that any future realignment involving UNC could be part of a larger move involving multiple ACC institutions. In conclusion, the desire for increased revenue and competitive stability is strongly motivating UNC to explore a move to the SEC. While the timeline is uncertain and significant financial hurdles remain, UNC's strong brand, particularly in basketball, and its valuable media market make it an attractive target for the SEC should the conference decide to expand further in the future. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12

Paul Finebaum, a prominent ESPN analyst and a well-known voice in SEC football, recently offered blunt advice to Colorado head coach Deion Sanders: "stick to coaching." This came after Sanders' remarks at Big 12 Media Days where he called for a college football salary cap to address the escalating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) spending.

Finebaum's comments, delivered on ESPN's "Get Up," highlighted several points of contention:

Hypocrisy Perception: Finebaum suggested that Sanders' stance on a salary cap was self-serving and ironic, especially given that Colorado's success in 2024 was heavily reliant on high-profile transfers like his son Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, who reportedly commanded significant NIL deals. Finebaum questioned if Sanders would have advocated for a cap when those "generational" talents were being lured to Boulder.

Changing Narratives: Finebaum accused Sanders of changing his narrative depending on his team's roster. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter now heading to the NFL, Finebaum implied that Deion's focus shifted from attracting top NIL earners to wanting to limit spending, which might benefit Colorado more in the current transfer landscape.

Bigger Problems: Finebaum argued that college football has "more basic problems" to solve than implementing a salary cap, suggesting that Sanders should focus on building his team and winning games rather than trying to shape policy for the entire sport. He essentially told Sanders to "let the college football leaders screw up the game the way they have already."

"Politician" Label: Finebaum went as far as to call Sanders a "politician," suggesting his comments were calculated rather than purely driven by a desire for fairness.

This isn't the first time Finebaum has been critical of Sanders' outspoken nature or his methods. Finebaum's "stick to coaching" message underscores the ongoing tension between Deion Sanders' high-profile, often unconventional approach to coaching and the traditional media's expectations of how college football coaches should operate, particularly as the sport navigates its evolving business side.

While the Big 12 has recently shown disinterest in adding Memphis, despite a highly aggressive and financially substantial proposal, there are indeed arguments for why it would be a smart move for the conference. These arguments often revolve around market penetration, competitive upside, and financial innovation, even if the current conference leadership isn't swayed.

Here's why some believe adding Memphis would be a smart play for the Big 12:

Massive Financial Incentive & "No-Risk" Proposition: Memphis has made an unprecedented offer, reportedly between $200 million and $250 million in sponsorship commitments from corporate partners like FedEx, Lowe's, and AutoZone. Crucially, they also offered to forgo any revenue distribution from the Big 12 for at least five years. This is presented as a "no-risk" concept: the Big 12 gains significant immediate revenue and corporate partnerships without diluting the existing schools' media rights payouts during the current deal. There was even a reported clause allowing the Big 12 to expel Memphis after 2030 if they weren't adding value.

Significant Media Market & Corporate Hub: Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee and a significant media market without an NFL team, meaning college football and basketball hold considerable sway. Its corporate ties, particularly with FedEx (a global logistics giant), offer unique opportunities for conference-wide sponsorships, potentially including naming rights for conference events or even the league itself in the future. This aligns with Commissioner Brett Yormark's stated goal of exploring new revenue streams and global partnerships.

Strong Athletic Programs (Basketball & Football):

Basketball: Memphis has a rich basketball tradition with a consistently competitive program, a strong fanbase, and plays in an NBA arena (FedExForum). Adding them would undoubtedly bolster the Big 12's already elite basketball conference.

Football: While not a consistent national title contender, the football program has achieved significant success in the Group of Five, with multiple 10-win seasons in recent years. They've shown the ability to develop talent and can be a competitive addition to the league. They also play in a former NFL stadium (Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium) which has seen recent renovations.

Geographic Bridge & Recruiting Footprint: Adding Memphis would establish a clearer geographic bridge between the western Big 12 schools (like Houston and UCF) and potentially provide a stronger foothold in the Mid-South for recruiting. This region is rich in athletic talent, and having a Big 12 presence there could enhance recruiting for other conference members as well.

Setting a Precedent for Future Expansion: Memphis's aggressive financial offer could set a new precedent for how conferences consider expansion. In an era where media rights are paramount, a school willing to "buy its way in" with substantial, guaranteed corporate revenue, rather than relying solely on perceived media value, presents a unique model. While the Big 12 has rejected it for now, the innovative nature of the proposal might be something that future "Power" conferences consider if the landscape continues to evolve towards a Super League model.

Despite these potential benefits, the Big 12 has, for now, decided against adding Memphis, citing that the proposal did not garner enough support from the existing member institutions. Their reasoning has been that Memphis was vetted previously when Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, and BYU were added, and not much has changed to make them a more attractive addition now, at least from the perspective of their current valuation.

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Memphis has made an incredibly aggressive and financially substantial push to join the Big 12 Conference, but as of today, Monday, July 21, 2025, they have reportedly been rejected or do not have enough support from the Big 12.

Here's what you need to know about Memphis's efforts and the Big 12's response:

Massive Financial Commitment: Memphis has reportedly made a proposal worth over $200 million, potentially as high as $250 million, to the Big 12. This is one of the most aggressive and financially significant membership propositions in college athletics history.

Structured Payments & Sponsorships: The proposal includes:

Forgoing Revenue Distribution: Memphis would reportedly agree to take zero revenue distribution from the Big 12 for at least the first five years (similar to SMU's deal with the ACC).

Corporate Sponsorships: The offer includes substantial sponsorship commitments from UM-affiliated corporate partners, such as FedEx, Lowes, and AutoZone. These sponsorships could add as much as $3 million annually to each Big 12 school's coffers.

FedEx Involvement: There were specific mentions of a plan for FedEx to sponsor the conference and its championship game, leveraging the company's strong ties to Memphis.

Long-Term Strategy: Memphis president Bill Hardgrave has reportedly spent over a year meeting individually with presidents and athletic administrators of many Big 12 schools to build support for their bid.

"No-Risk" Concept: Memphis is presenting this as a "no-risk" concept for the Big 12, given the significant financial guarantees and the willingness to forgo revenue sharing initially.

Expulsion Clause: Interestingly, the proposal also reportedly includes a clause where Memphis would subject itself to expulsion after 2030 if the Big 12 deems it is not adding value. This highlights Memphis's determination to prove its worth.

Lack of Support (Reported Rejection): Despite the lucrative offer, multiple reports indicate that the Big 12 is currently "not interested" in adding Memphis or that Memphis does not have enough Big 12 support for the move.

Super Majority Requirement: Any expansion move in the Big 12 requires the support of a super majority of the league's presidents and chancellors, which is 12 out of the 16 current schools. It appears Memphis has not been able to secure this level of consensus.

Previous Expansion Strategy: The Big 12 has recently undergone significant expansion, adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, and later Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. The conference appears to be content with its current 16 members for now and is not willing to let a checkbook alone dictate its next move.

Value Beyond Money: The Big 12 has demonstrated that while money is important, it also values factors like overall fit, long-term upside, and broader visibility in its expansion decisions.

Memphis Remains in the AAC: For now, Memphis remains in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

Financial Security: Joining a Power Four conference (Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC) would provide Memphis with significantly higher media rights revenue, ensuring long-term financial stability for its athletic department.

Increased Exposure: Competing in a higher-profile conference would provide more national television exposure for its athletic programs, especially football and basketball.

Recruiting Advantage: Being a "Power Four" school is a significant draw for top recruits across all sports.

Prestige and Legitimacy: Membership in a top conference offers a level of prestige and validates the athletic programs, which have seen considerable success at the Group of Five level.

Strong Athletic Department: Memphis has a history of strong basketball and a growing football program, with recent consecutive double-digit win seasons under coach Ryan Silverfield. They are often considered one of the strongest athletic departments outside the current Power Four.

Media Market & Corporate Ties: Memphis is a significant media market, and the university's strong ties to major corporations like FedEx (headquartered in Memphis) are a unique asset they hope to leverage.

In summary, Memphis has pulled out all the stops with an unprecedented financial offer to secure a Big 12 invitation, but the current consensus within the Big 12 appears to be a "no" for now. This highlights the intensely competitive nature of conference realignment and the complex factors beyond just money that influence these decisions.

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The 2026 recruiting cycle is still relatively early, but BYU, Texas Tech, and Baylor have indeed made some impressive waves, showing a strong surge in their recruiting efforts. It highlights the impact of their new Power Four conference affiliation and aggressive strategies under their respective coaching staffs.

Here's a look at why their 2026 classes are generating so much excitement:

BYU's 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the best in program history, a significant leap for a program that often hovered outside the top 50 in recruiting rankings. As of mid-July 2025, BYU's class has been highly ranked nationally, even briefly reaching the No. 1 spot in the Big 12.

Key highlights and reasons for their success:

Elite Talent: The class is headlined by five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons (Folsom, CA), a massive get for the Cougars. They've also secured commitments from highly-rated in-state talents like four-star tight end Brock Harris (Pine View, UT) and four-star offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo (Lone Peak, UT).

National Reach: While traditionally strong in Utah, BYU is expanding its reach, landing commitments from players in Arkansas (LB Braxton Lindsey) and Oklahoma (DL Nehemiah Kolone), among other states, often beating out other Power Four programs.

Jay Hill's Impact: Defensive coordinator Jay Hill has been credited with the significant improvement in recruiting, noting that being a Power Four program has made a "world of difference."

Consistency: The Cougars have accumulated a solid number of commitments early in the cycle, with many highly-rated three-star prospects and several four-stars, signaling a consistent ability to attract talent.

Texas Tech has also been on an incredible run in 2026 recruiting, demonstrating the impact of a strong NIL program and Coach Joey McGuire's relentless approach. They have also held the No. 1 spot in the Big 12 recruiting rankings at points.

Factors contributing to their strong class:

Five-Star Anchor: A huge commitment from five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo (Mansfield Lake Ridge, TX) immediately elevated their class to an elite level. This is the type of blue-chip talent that can transform a program.

Beating Out Powerhouses: Texas Tech has reportedly beaten out traditional giants like Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, and Michigan for some of their elite prospects, showcasing their growing appeal and resources.

Depth of Talent: Beyond Ojo, they've secured commitments from multiple four-star prospects, including running back Ace Rowden and safety Donovan Webb, along with a strong contingent of highly-rated three-star players, particularly from the talent-rich state of Texas.

NIL Prowess: Reports suggest that Texas Tech's NIL program is among the most competitive in the country, playing a significant role in their ability to attract and secure top talent.

Baylor has shown strong momentum in the 2026 class, particularly with a flurry of recent commitments that have propelled them up the Big 12 and national rankings.

Key aspects of their strong recruiting:

Blue-Chip Additions: Baylor has landed commitments from several four-star prospects, including defensive lineman Jamarion Carlton (Temple, TX) and wide receiver Jordan Clay (San Antonio, TX). They also recently secured a commitment from four-star safety Jordan Deck.

Local Focus: The Bears have been effective in locking down talent from their strong recruiting grounds in Texas, with several key commitments coming from within the state.

Consistent Flow: Baylor has been steadily adding commitments, showcasing a consistent effort from the coaching staff to build out their class early. Recent weeks have seen a surge in pledges, indicating strong momentum.

Overall, the early success of BYU, Texas Tech, and Baylor in the 2026 recruiting cycle is a clear signal of the shifting landscape in college football, particularly within the newly expanded Big 12. These programs are leveraging their conference affiliation, coaching stability, and, importantly, the opportunities presented by NIL to compete for and win battles against traditional recruiting powerhouses. It promises to make the Big 12 even more competitive in the coming years.

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Provo, Utah, distinguishes itself through a unique combination of natural beauty, economic vitality, and a strong community foundation, with Brigham Young University (BYU) at its heart. Nestled against the majestic Wasatch Mountains and adjacent to Utah Lake, Provo offers unparalleled outdoor access for hiking, skiing, and water sports, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Economically, Provo is a thriving tech hub within "Silicon Slopes," attracting major companies and fostering a robust startup scene, bolstered by the skilled workforce supplied by both BYU and Utah Valley University. BYU, as a prestigious private institution, significantly shapes the city's intellectual and cultural landscape, contributing to a steady flow of talented graduates and enriching the community with diverse academic and sporting events.

The city is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, low crime rates, and strong community values, often influenced by the predominant culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This creates a safe, clean, and welcoming environment, with social life often centered around family and church activities. BYU's prominent presence amplifies this community spirit, from its campus events to the patriotic Stadium of Fire celebration at LaVell Edwards Stadium. This blend of natural splendor, economic opportunity, and a distinct, community-oriented culture, largely shaped by BYU, makes Provo a truly special place to live and visit.

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Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)