Amid Big Ten-SEC partnership rumors, Big 12 & ACC reportedly collab with propositions for new models in college football

With the Big Ten and SEC being amid scheduling agreement talks, the other two Power Four Schools, Big 12 and ACC are also brewing something up.

College football insider Ross Dellenger reported a meeting held on Tuesday in Dallas, which was attended by "a portion of Big 12 and ACC presidents." However, neither of the Big Ten, SEC and Notre Dame presidents attended.

During the meeting, two new models were proposed to stakeholders of Big 12 and ACC: Len Perna-led College Sports Tomorrow & SMASH Capital’s Project Rudy.

Both presentations were around an hour each and included detailed versions of the models. The presentation was followed by question-and-answer segments. Dellenger also reported that no decisions are yet made whether to propose this new model, but talks expected to continue.

---

What is Project Rudy proposed during the meeting with Big 12 & ACC?

Project Rudy is named after the famous Notre Dame walk-on Rudy Ruettiger. The model aims to benefit everyone, as said by one power conference athletic director, according to Yahoo Sports.

Project Rudy is a streamlined, Super League-style concept involving programs from four power conferences, around 70 teams. The model retains the four-conference system, introduces expanded postseason play, revamps scheduling and implements tiered revenue distribution. It will reportedly inject $9 billion in private capital.

The model is framed by those working for Smash Capital, a venture capital and private equity firm. Evan Richter, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs are the main faces behind the model.

It has been represented to over 25 athletic directors of power conference programs through in-person meetings, Zoom calls and over the phone.

“Of all the ideas I’ve seen, this one makes the most sense,” Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich spoke about the model via Yahoo Sports. “Conferences are kept intact, commissioners still have an important and valuable role, and there is the ability for schools to make increased money from bigger matchups and more playoff games.

“The Smash Capital idea is brilliant,” says one high-level SEC school administrator, “but you’ve got to convince those two guys.”

It comes at a time when Big Ten and SEC are hoping to reserve more college football playoff spots. Currently, they are 12, but the two are vouching to increase it to 14 while potentially securing four each for their conference members.