Utah Addresses Rumors Regarding ACC, Says They Are ‘Proud’ To Be A Part Of Big 12
“Speculation is circulating about potential shifts in college sports conferences. There is discussion about Utah possibly moving to the ACC despite its recent move to the Big 12, with some suggesting the ACC might be a better fit due to its ESPN network agreement and potential for increased TV value. However, skepticism exists regarding the stability and attractiveness of the ACC compared to the Big 12,” Weiss revealed on the app formerly known as Twitter.
The rumors caught many by surprise, given Utah’s recent commitment to the Big 12. In response, the University of Utah swiftly released a statement on Tuesday, strongly denying the claims. The statement labeled the report as “completely fabricated” and “irresponsible,” and emphasized their excitement about joining the Big 12.
“We are proud to be a part of the Big 12,” the statement read. “Any reports suggesting otherwise are not based in fact.”
Currently, the ACC is dealing with its own set of issues, including legal battles, as prominent programs like Florida State and Clemson explore options to exit the conference. This instability makes the notion of Utah considering a move to the ACC even more questionable.
Utah’s transition to the Big 12 comes after a tumultuous period for the Pac-12, which saw a mass exodus of teams. The first dominoes fell in 2022, when USC and UCLA announced their departure for the Big Ten. This led to further defections, with Oregon and Washington also heading to the Big Ten, and Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah moving to the Big 12. Stanford and Cal joined the ACC shortly before the season started, leaving Washington State and Oregon State to make plans to participate in the Mountain West for football.
Despite the upheaval, Utah is poised for success in their new conference. The Utes are widely viewed as favorites to win the Big 12 in 2024 and are aiming for their first College Football Playoff appearance.
As Utah prepares to embrace its future in the Big 12, the university and its fans can take pride in their team’s potential and the opportunities ahead. The strong denial of any ACC move underscores their commitment to the Big 12, where they look forward to competing at the highest level.