The West Virginia Mountaineers are currently enjoying life in the Big 12. Despite the fact that the move was not super well-received among the WVU fan base when they left the Big East ahead of the 2012 season, the program has adjusted to the league quite well. But is it possible another change is on the horizon?
Television contracts are up for re-negotiation in the next few years, and the trend toward a "super league" among seems to be growing. That will likely result in more conference realignment coming soon, and there is a possibility that it carries the Mountaineers away from the Big 12.
West Virginia to the ACC?
The College Football Mafia podcast recently explored the possibility of an ACC raid of the Big 12, and part of the discussion was identifying the likeliest schools to be poached based off the brand and financial incentives. And one of those potential options pretty high up the list were the West Virginia Mountaineers.
The ACC could be plotting to raid the Big 12 — eight schools, real financial incentive behind it.@mark_hokie and I break down the targets, the reasons, and what it costs the Big 12 if it happens.
— Professor WildUte (@TheWildUte) July 29, 2026
Live in 2.5 hours.🧵
As the two podcasters hosting the show also pointed out, the ACC could bring along with it higher media rights payouts (provided they keep Clemson, Florida State, and Miami) and restored rivalries in particular for West Virginia, which is a rival to several ACC schools such as Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Boston College, and Louisville.
And with West Virginia's brand soaring sky high after much national exposure in recent months, it would be wise for the conference to express interest in West Virginia. However, recent years have made it seem as if the trend is heading moe toward the Big 12 poaching the ACC for schools, not the other way around. With realignment likely on the horizon one way or another, we will just have to wait and see where West Virginia ends up.
Add us as a preferred source on Google