ACC to move to nine-game league schedule, require 10 P4 matchups

“We have been incredibly intentional throughout our discussions on ACC football, including the future of our conference schedule. (Monday), the athletic directors of the 17 football-playing institutions overwhelmingly supported a regular season schedule that includes nine conference games and a minimum of 10 games each year against Power 4 opponents,” ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement. “This positions the ACC as one of only two leagues committed to having every team annually play a minimum of 10 games against Power 4 teams.

“There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined, but (Monday’s) decision showcases the commitment and leadership of our ADs in balancing what is best for strengthening the conference and their respective programs. As specified in the conference constitution, the model will be presented to the faculty athletics representatives for formal adoption.”

On Tuesday, the SEC is expected to finalize its format that will include three annual opponents, six rotating opponents, and one opponent from a power conference. It’s unclear if the ACC will follow a similar model of having three annual opponents.

Tech’s current schedule is already similar to what the future scheduling format will require. The Yellow Jackets, ranked No. 16 in this week’s AP Top 25, are playing eight conference games this season (instead of nine) and two against P4 opponents — Colorado and Georgia.

In 2026, Tech has nonconference games scheduled against Colorado, Tennessee, Mercer and Georgia. In 2027, the program is slated to play nonconference matchups with Tennessee, Notre Dame, Hampton and Georgia.

According to ESPN, the new scheduling format will be implemented in 2027, but only 16 teams will play nine conference games, while another will play eight, and that team will have to schedule a second out-of-conference P4 conference team.