College athletics has changed as we know it, with NIL deals and the transfer portal changing how programs compete. Another significant change is conference realignment, creating new exciting matchups while ending rivalries.
Washington and Oregon were the most recent to make a big splash, finalizing a deal to join the Big Ten. The sudden moves and debates have left some wondering if the Tar Heels would leave the ACC to expand their audience and revnue or stay connected with what has worked. UNC’s athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, spoke out against any claims of the Tar Heels leaving the ACC, praising the conference and telling staff they were staying put.
This decision heartened some fans, but left others pondering the opportunity lost by not at least considering another conference. Leaving the ACC would hurt UNC’s traditional rivals, but you can’t help thinking what matchups UNC could snag if it played in the SEC.
Let’s look at how social media reacted to the conference shakeup.