ACC Reveals 2026 Opponents with New Nine-Game Conference Schedule

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has revealed its football league opponents for the 2026 season. This marks a pivotal moment as the conference moves towards a nine-game schedule. The new format enhances competition and aligns the ACC with other prominent conferences.

Key Details of the 2026 ACC Schedule

The transition to a nine-game conference schedule was announced after a meeting on September 22, where athletic directors from all 17 teams expressed strong support. This new framework ensures that each program plays at least 10 games annually against Power Four opponents.

New Schedule Structure

Starting in 2026, the ACC will implement a transitional season formatted as follows:

• Twelve teams will compete in a 9+1 schedule, featuring nine conference games and one non-conference Power Four opponent.
• Five teams will maintain an 8+2 schedule, playing eight ACC games and two non-conference Power Four matchups.

This approach accommodates existing non-conference contracts while promoting competitive equity.

Long-Term Vision

By 2027, all 16 teams in the ACC will compete in a nine-game schedule. One team per season will adjust to accommodate the strict requirement of facing two Power Four opponents outside the conference.

Updated Tiebreaker Policy

The ACC plans to update its Tiebreaker Policy before the 2026 season begins, ensuring clear and fair guidelines for competitive scenarios.

Teams Scheduled for 2026

The following teams will adopt the nine-game ACC schedule in 2026:

• California: Home games against Clemson, Pitt, Stanford, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest; Away games at NC State, SMU, Syracuse, and Virginia.
• Duke: Home versus Boston College, Clemson, North Carolina, Stanford; Away at Georgia Tech, Miami, NC State, Virginia, and Wake Forest.
• Louisville: Home against Florida State, Pitt, SMU, Stanford, and Wake Forest; Away at Georgia Tech, North Carolina, NC State, and Syracuse.
• Miami: Home games with Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Pitt, and Virginia Tech; Away at Clemson, North Carolina, Stanford, and Wake Forest.
• North Carolina: Home against Louisville, Miami, NC State, Syracuse; Away at Clemson, Duke, Pitt, and Virginia.

Additionally, those playing an eight-game schedule include Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and others. Each team’s schedule is designed to ensure fairness and maintain balance throughout the league.

Upcoming Coverage and Insights

Fans can expect in-depth analysis of the 2026 football schedules on ACC PM. The program will air on December 16 at 5 p.m. ET. Further insights will be provided on the ACC Network Football Podcast on December 17.

Overall, the ACC’s shift to a nine-game conference schedule promises to enhance the competitive landscape for its 17 member institutions, ensuring exciting matchups in the seasons ahead.