The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has released its 2024 football schedule, the first under a new scheduling model with 17 teams. The new model involves each team playing eight conference games per season, leading to an increase in annual conference matchups and the elimination of divisions.

Why It Matters

The new scheduling model and expanded conference matchups aim to create an exciting, fair, and balanced schedule, enhancing the overall student-athlete experience while generating anticipation and excitement for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • 17 total teams will be included in the new scheduling model.
  • The schedule will feature an increase in annual conference matchups from 56 to 68.
  • The top two teams based on conference winning percentage will compete in the ACC Football Championship Game on the first Saturday in December at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
State of Play
  • Annual Rivalries: The new model protects 16 annual matchups, while introducing three new annual matchups with the additions of the University of California (Cal), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Stanford University.
  • Week 0: The 2024 season will kick off in Ireland with ESPN College GameDay broadcasting live for the first time outside of the United States.
  • Week 1: All 17 ACC football programs will be featured throughout Labor Day Weekend with 16 games over five days, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2.
  • ACC Thursday and Friday Night Football Games: The first 13 weeks of the season will involve ACC teams playing 14 games on Thursday and Friday nights, with no school playing a Thursday night game on short rest.
  • First-Ever Meetings to Come in Conference Play: The 2024 football season will see a total of eight first-time matchups across ACC play.
  • Challenging Non-Conference Slate: The ACC’s non-conference schedule continues to be among the most difficult in the country, with 26 games against Power Conference opponents and 10 games against teams ranked in the final 2023 Associated Press Top 25 poll.
  • Games Against Notre Dame: ACC teams will play five non-conference games against Notre Dame in 2024.
  • ACC Football Championship Game: The 2024 ACC Football Championship Game will be played in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring the top two teams based on conference winning percentage.
What's Next

The new scheduling model and the released 2024 football schedule set the stage for an exciting and highly anticipated ACC football season, with the potential for increased viewer engagement and attention on ACC matchups.

Bottom Line

The 2024 ACC football schedule, under the new scheduling model, aims to boost interest and excitement in ACC Football by creating an innovative and balanced schedule that prioritizes the student-athlete experience and sets the stage for an engaging and competitive season.