ACC votes to add 3 schools as conference realignment continues

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The Atlantic Coast Conference is throwing its hat in the ring as conference realignment takes over college athletics. 

The ACC Board of Directors voted Friday to admit Stanford, Cal and SMU as full members starting in the 2024-25 school year, the conference announced.

California Golden Bears tight end Jake Tonges, #85, avoids a tackle during the college football game between the California Golden Bears and Stanford Cardinal on Nov. 20, 2021 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"We are thrilled to welcome three world-class institutions to the ACC, and we look forward to having them compete as part of our amazing league," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "Throughout the evaluation process, the ACC Board of Directors, led by President Ryan, was deliberate in prioritizing the best possible athletic and academic experience for our student-athletes and in ensuring that the three universities would strengthen the league in all possible ways. 

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"Cal, SMU and Stanford will be terrific members of the ACC and we are proud to welcome their student-athletes, coaches, staff and entire campus community, alumni and fans."

The additions of Stanford and Cal to the ACC now means the Pac-12 conference has just two schools committed beyond the 2023-24 seasons – Washington State and Oregon State. 

The preeminent West Coast conference has been decimated over the past month, losing eight schools one year after USC and UCLA announced their departure to the Big Ten. 

Arizona, Arizona State,