CFB insider claims Clemson to join Big 12 expansion as top ACC teams likely to get poached in latest wave of conference realignment

What happens with ACC teams in conference realignment remains a developing story while the Clemson Tigers continue their legal battle against the Atlantic Coast Conference.

One of the major themes in the entire episode has been the prediction of many insiders that ACC would go the Pac-12 way. College football insider Greg Swaim recently said on social media that Clemson will join the Big 12 due to ACC teams being poached by other conferences.

"We believe strongly that both #FSU and #Clemson will settle out of court soon, as it's unlikely either side wants this to continue much longer. And at that point, depending on the outcome, we believe #Clemson will join the #Big12, they won't be AAU accredited to get into the #B1G, and the #SEC will not add another team from the state of South Carolina."

This is certainly intriguing as Big 12 expansion will run rampant if the ACC teams get poached. A lot of this rides on the outcome of the legal battle that the Clemson Tigers are currently in. So, the decision about the Grant of Rights deal will be crucial.

Does Clemson to the Big 12 make the most sense in conference realignment?

What Greg Swaim is saying here is very plausible. The only real possibility for the Clemson Tigers leaving in conference realignment seems to be a move to the Big 12. The Southeastern Conference is not likely to expand at this point.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said during the 2024 SEC Media Days that the conference is more focused on its existing 16 members than expanding. The Clemson Tigers aren't AAU accredited, which is a rumored stopping block for the Big Ten. That only leaves Big 12 expansion as a possible destination.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said he believes the Big 12 is the top conference in the country. Adding Clemson in conference realignment could definitely give him a better argument going forward.