ACC Eyes 18-Game Schedule for 2025-26 to Boost NCAA Tournament Profile as Big Ten Announces Opponents
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The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is actively considering reducing its men's basketball conference schedule from 20 games to 18 games starting next season, according to sources. This move aims to enhance the league's NCAA Tournament profile by allowing teams to schedule more marquee nonconference matchups. The proposal, which has been discussed among the ACC's commissioner Jim Phillips, athletics directors, and ESPN, is expected to be approved at the league's annual spring meetings in May.
The proposed 18-game schedule would involve playing one game against 16 teams and two games against a designated permanent rival each season, such as Duke-UNC. This adjustment comes after the ACC experienced one of its weakest performances in the NCAA Tournament, with only four teams qualifying last season, marking the lowest percentage in its history. The change is seen as a strategic move to improve the league's standing in key metrics like KenPom and the NET ratings, which are crucial for NCAA Tournament selection. The ACC Network, launched in 2019-20, has been a factor in scheduling decisions, and the conference has been proactive with ESPN regarding potential programming challenges.
In a related development, the Big Ten Conference has announced its men's basketball opponents for the 2025-26 season, maintaining its 20-game schedule. Indiana University, for instance, will play home games against teams like Iowa, Nebraska, and Northwestern, and road games against Illinois, Maryland, and Michigan, among others. The Big Ten's schedule also includes new members UCLA and USC. This announcement highlights the differing approaches to scheduling among major conferences as they navigate the balance between conference and nonconference games. The ACC's performance last season included a 2-14 record against the SEC in the ACC-SEC Challenge, further emphasizing the need for change.
Michigan will play home-and-homes with Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State next season.
Its full slate of Big Ten opponents and locations has been set for 2025-26: https://t.co/JbWBafKWfp https://t.co/yf98Mz85Dg
