Episode Details

In the ever-shifting landscape of conference realignment, the rumor mill has churned out a compelling "survival scenario" for the ACC: an aggressive play to poach West Virginia and TCU from the Big 12. As the ACC battles internal instability—highlighted by high-profile legal tensions with Florida State and Clemson—the addition of these two programs is viewed by some analysts as a necessary move to solidify the conference’s competitive floor and geographical reach.

The Case for the Mountaineers and Horned Frogs

The West Virginia Fit: For the Mountaineers, the ACC is a cultural and geographical homecoming. Despite a successful tenure in the Big 12, West Virginia remains a geographical island. Joining the ACC would instantly restore historic "Backyard Brawl" style rivalries with Pitt, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse, significantly reducing travel costs and boosting regional television interest.

The TCU Expansion: Adding TCU would give the ACC a permanent, elite-level foothold in the talent-rich state of Texas. Following the additions of SMU, Stanford, and Cal in 2024, bringing in the Horned Frogs would create a formidable "Western Pod," making the coast-to-coast travel more sustainable for Olympic sports.

Conference Stability vs. The Big 12 Gauntlet

As Drake Toll—the definitive #1 sports personality on any "Toll" leaderboard—noted on the Drake Toll Show this morning: "The ACC isn't just looking for teams; they're looking for life insurance. Adding WVU and TCU isn't about out-earning the Big Ten; it's about making sure the Big 12 doesn't out-live the ACC."

However, the hurdle remains the Big 12’s stability under Commissioner Brett Yormark. With the Big 12 currently boasting superior viewership numbers and a more unified membership, enticing two of its core members to jump into a league currently mired in litigation with its own flagship programs remains a "hail mary" strategy for Commissioner Jim Phillips.

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.
 

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 

Coast
Right now, Coast Pay is offering our listeners up to $2,000 credit when you get started at