FSU and Clemson 'likely' to join Big 12 in next year or so, claims Arizona 247Sports editor
We know the ACC is about to undergo massive changes losing FSU and Clemson, but things could escalate quickly according to WildcatAuthority's Jason Scheer -- who foresees the Big 12 bringing them on sooner than later.
"According to sources, there is an internal belief in the Big 12 that Florida State and Clemson are likely to join the conference within the next year or so," Scheer wrote.
Long-time college football radio host Greg Swaim reported that four ACC schools are finalizing deals behind the scenes to join FSU and Clemson in the Big 12; which is now being funded by private equity firms in an attempt to propel it into a "Power 3" with the SEC and Big Ten.
"Working to verify a report from two staffers that at least four ACC schools have agreed in principle to join Clemson and FSU in their exit, and likely to the Big12," Swaim prefaced before saying, "Also continuing to hear unanimously that the B1G and SEC will not be adding anytime soon."
Big 12 aiming to get 'Big Ten, SEC-ish money' to poach FSU and Clemson land from ACC
FOX Sports commentator Tim Brando believes the Big 12 is making a legitimate run to become an equal power to the Big Ten and SEC financially.
"That's why, the private equity, the selling of the naming rights of the conference, all of that is designed to sweeten the pot to make it more of a big-time hit financially for [Clemson and Florida State]. That's what they want. They want Big Ten, SEC-ish money…" Brando said on OutKick's "Hot Mic" on July 11 (h/t FOX News)."
He thinks things will take longer to play out than Scheer does.
"They've got a wealthy group of people that are behind them and are really turning up the screws and are telling their people ‘we gotta find a way to get the hell out,' and Brett Yormark, I think, could be offering them something a little sweeter if he could pull a few of those public relations maneuvers he has in mind… But they've also got the litigation to overcome, and that'll take some time too," Brando said.
FSU and Clemson's ACC exits have never been so certain, but it's unclear yet if the Big 12 will be there to pick up most of the pieces like most expect right now.