ACC collapse: 5 teams that could leave Atlantic coast to trigger new conference realignment wave after Pac-12

The future of the ACC continues to remain uncertain. Amid a series of legal battles, the conference currently faces an existential threat that could make it suffer the same fate as the Pac-12, which imploded last summer after a mass exodus.

With a couple of teams pushing actively to leave the conference, here's a look at five teams that could leave the ACC if the conference collapses like the Pac-12.

Five teams that could leave the ACC

#1, Florida State

There’s probably no team in the ACC possessing the ambition to leave more than Florida State. The school harbored the intention to leave the conference over the last couple of years.

The Seminoles started to make an active move on their ambition to leave the league in December 2023 following their exclusion from the College Football Playoff. They are currently engulfed in a legal battle with the conference, hoping to ensure a seamless exit.

#2, Clemson

Clemson is another team in the ACC that has explored the possibility of leaving the conference in the last couple of years. Like Florida State, they’ve begun an active move toward it.

The Tigers became the second team to file a lawsuit against the conference in February, doing that in a South Carolina court. The school has been one of the most influential in the league over the years and their exit plan places it on the brink of collapse.

#3, North Carolina

North Carolina was one of the three teams, alongside Florida State and Clemson, that voted against the expansion of the ACC last summer when three schools eventually joined. This clearly shows the ambition of the school regarding its future.

The Tar Heels are undoubtedly one of the schools within the conference seeking an exit when the opportunity presents itself. They've also attracted considerable interest in the Power Five.

#4, Virginia

Virginia has vividly shown the intention to leave, but there's a belief that the school harbors the intention. They were reportedly one of the seven schools that met last summer to explore the possibility of navigating the league grant of rights.

The Cavaliers have generated significant interest from the SEC and the Big Ten over the last year. This comes as a huge boost and motivation for their potential exit plans.

#5, Miami

Miami looked like they are comfortable in the ACC, but the interest from the Power Five could push them to make a move. The school is currently generating interest from the Big 12 in its next expansion phase.

At a time when Miami looks like they are on their way back to the pinnacle of college football under Mario Cristobal, switching conferences might be a brilliant step to take. This will ensure they compete with the best teams in the landscape.