Conference realignment: CFB insider makes case for 2 ACC teams potentially joining Brett Yormark's Big 12 expansion

The Big 12 has, over the past couple of weeks, been linked to Florida State and Clemson in its next phase of expansion. The conference has brought in eight teams in the last two years and remained open to expansion after overcoming the turmoil that came a few years ago.

Following the exit of Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12, the conference is trying to take advantage of the situation in the Atlantic Coast Conference, to bring in Clemson and Florida State. The two powerhouses will undoubtedly help increase the value of the league.

While the Big 12 hasn't had the best experience with unequal revenue sharing, it might be leaning that way again. According to college football insider Greg Swaim, this is in a bid to help buy Florida State and Oklahoma out of their ACC contract.

"The #Big12 learned with the #Sooners and #Longhorns that unequal revenue sharing just doesn't work," Swaim wrote on X. However, to help buy #FSU and #Clemson out of their #ACC deal, as long as they sign a long term deal...now that's a horse of a different color!!"

The Big 12 is innovating to bring more revenue

The Big 12 doesn't currently look like it has the financial capability to lure Florida State and Clemson out of the ACC.

However, Brett Yormark is committed to increasing the revenue streams for his conference in the landscape. This has brought about the attempt to introduce a couple of innovative ideas that are alien to college athletics.

These include taking a large investment from a private equity firm and selling the conference naming rights. While these ideas have been met with criticism, Yormark explained his views during the Big 12 media days.

“I often refer to our league as a mature startup,” Yormark said. “This means our brand can be younger, more progressive and innovative compared to some of our peers.

“We're going through change, but I would rather call it a necessary reset. In 10 years, I think we will look back at this period as a positive moment in collegiate athletics history.”

Conference realignments bringing further changes to the landscape

Conference realignment has significantly changed collegiate athletics over the last couple of years. With teams switching conferences in search of better financial benefits, the landscape moved away from how we know it, breaking away from the norms and traditions.

Florida State and Clemson finding their way out of the ACC will mark another big change in the college football landscape. It remains to be seen where the current waves of conference realignment eventually take us and the disruption bound to happen.