The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has been struggling to live up to its reputation and expectations, and an insider is calling for a much-needed revival.
The ACC's recent performance has been a cause for concern, and it's time to take action! Over the past few seasons, the ACC has failed to meet the mark, with only a handful of teams making it to the NCAA Tournament. In 2022, the conference managed to get just five teams in, and the situation worsened the following year, with only four bids secured.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Duke, the ACC's consistent powerhouse, has been carrying the conference on its shoulders. In the 2025-26 season, the Blue Devils dominated, going 19-1 in conference play and winning the ACC Tournament without even their superstar, Cooper Flagg. However, this lopsided success raises questions about the overall strength of the conference.
The ACC/SEC Challenge further highlighted the conference's struggles. In a two-day event, ACC teams managed only two wins out of fourteen, losing eleven games by double digits and five by a margin of twenty points or more. This poor performance, especially on home courts, has left the ACC's reputation in tatters.
So, what's the solution?
College hoops insider, Jon Rothstein, believes that the ACC needs to get at least six teams into the NCAA Tournament to change its national perception. He argues that this goal is achievable, given the conference's recent offseason moves and new hires.
ACC Commissioner, Jim Phillips, also addressed the issue at the ACC Basketball Tipoff 2025, highlighting the switch to an 18-game conference schedule as a strategy to get more teams into the big dance.
Several ACC teams are poised for a comeback, with new coaches and talented transfer classes. Will Wade at NC State, Ryan Odom at Virginia, and Jai Lucas at Miami are all expected to make significant improvements.
And this is the part most people miss...
The ACC's future success relies on more than just a few standout teams. It requires a collective effort from the entire conference to raise the bar and compete with other power conferences.
So, can the ACC turn things around and regain its former glory? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the conference needs to step up its game, and fast!
What do you think? Is the ACC capable of a comeback, or has it lost its edge? Let's discuss in the comments!
