Notre Dame to the Big Ten? Miami to the SEC? What 19-team CFB conferences might look like

Key Points:

• The Protect College Sports Act under Senate consideration would cap Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 conferences at 19 members each, with Power 4 teams required to be independent for five years before switching leagues, while Group of 6 teams could move freely.
• For the Big Ten’s one open spot, Notre Dame is the favored candidate due to its academic prestige, football tradition, and recent independence challenges, making a Big Ten-Notre Dame union logical.
• The SEC has three spots, with North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami as top candidates; Miami is favored for its recent football resurgence and geographic fit, while Florida State and Clemson face uncertainties.
• The ACC, with 2-5 openings due to potential departures, is likely to add Tulane, South Florida, UConn, and Army/Navy, prioritizing academic reputation, basketball strength, and national brand recognition.
• The Big 12 has three spots emphasizing market size, fan base, and basketball success, with candidates including Memphis, San Diego State, Boise State, UNLV, and possibly Air Force, though the final selections remain undetermined.