This Season’s Stakes for the Big 12 and ACC

This year is turning into a crucial one for both the Big 12 and the ACC. In college football, the focus on conference rivalry is becoming more pronounced. It’s kind of interesting—despite being recognized as one of the Power 4, neither of these conferences is part of what’s often seen as the Big 2. So far, they’ve managed to steer clear of becoming the next Pac-12, but staying out of that conversation will need more than just a handful of standout schools.

Now, while there’s no guaranteed method for success, one clear way to maintain your league’s relevance is for its teams to snag a national championship. There have been squads from both the Big 12 and ACC that have had their chances, yet it’s been quite a while since either has hoisted a trophy. Clemson last claimed an ACC championship eight years ago, and it’s actually been 21 years since a Big 12 team won the title. In fact, it’s the first time in 36 years that a current Big 12 team has taken home the championship. This season, though, there are schools in both conferences well-positioned to make a run at it. Winning a conference title will likely be the first step toward that goal.

Last season, the ACC was on the verge of winning the national championship; Miami came close but ultimately fell to would-be champions Indiana, which still feels a bit odd to think about. The ACC showed its capabilities, even if they stumbled in the championship game, ending with Miami as the lone representative—despite not reaching the title clash.

As we dive into this new season, it should begin somewhat like the previous one. Most of the ACC’s hopes rest on Miami, but let’s not forget schools like Louisville, SMU, Clemson, Pitt, and Virginia—they’ve all demonstrated they can step up when it counts.

Who Will Take the Big 12 Championship?

The Big 12 finds itself in a somewhat different situation. Last year, there was genuine engagement surrounding the conference. Two teams entered the championship game with only one loss each, and BYU’s only defeat came at the hands of Texas Tech, their title game opponent. When Tech defeated BYU again, there was some real buzz about their chances to win it all. Unfortunately, that excitement faded fast after Texas Tech suffered a tough home loss to Oregon in the first round of the College Football Playoff, leading to them being viewed as somewhat of a punching bag in the NCAA.

As it stands, Texas Tech is seen as the frontrunner to win the Big 12 again, with BYU close on their heels. The other teams in the conference continue to perform well, representing a league known for exceeding expectations, even if it sometimes feels like they play without a clear hierarchy among the mid-tier teams.

Keep an eye out later this week for the results of these surveys and the upcoming Reacts polls.