CFB insider updates on FSU & Clemson potentially joining Big Ten expansion as ACC collapse becomes inevitable

FSU and Clemson intensified their effort to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference this offseason. Both schools have harbored the ambition to leave the league over the years and finally decided to take active steps this offseason.

One of the potential destinations for the two schools following a successful exit from the ACC is the Big Ten. However, college football insider Greg Swaim reports that the conference is not open to adding the Seminoles and the Tigers in its next phase of expansion.

According to Swaim, the Big Ten is not considering FSU and Clemson because both schools are not accredited by the Association of American Universities. He noted that the Big Ten considers this status important for its potential members.

SEC also closing the door on FSU and Clemson

While the Big Ten is not considering the possibility of adding FSU and Clemson, the SEC, which has been thought to be the most likely destination, is also going toward the same path.

During the SEC Media Days in Dallas on Monday, Commissioner Greg Sankey noted that the conference is focused on its 16 members at the moment and not on recruiting duty. This is despite him paying attention to the chaotic situation with the ACC.

“How closely do I monitor what's happening in the ACC, and what are the implications? I pay attention,” Greg Sankey said. ”As I said, we're focused on our 16. I've said before at Media Days, I'm not a recruiter. My job is to make sure we meet the standard of excellence that we have for ourselves on a daily basis.”

This pretty much makes realignment plans more difficult for FSU and Clemson. Nonetheless, both schools remain committed to the plan to secure an exit from the ACC very soon.

The Big 12 turning out to be the only option left

While it was considered less likely earlier, the Big 12 appears to be the only option left for FSU and Clemson as they intensify their realignment plans. Greg Swaim reports that the Big 12 has discussed with the two schools via a third party to explore the possibilities.

In the last couple of days, the rumors of the Seminoles and the Tigers moving to the Big 12 have picked up and it said that the conference is open to adding them. More importantly, the conference is working on creating more revenue streams to be lucrative enough for the two schools. The exit of both schools could eventually lead to the collapse of the ACC.