The ACC and Big 12 continue to battle for position as college football's third-best conference, but comments from ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips during ACC Media Days have raised new questions about conference realignment, conference unity, and the future of the Power Four.

In this episode of First & 16, Adam Gibby breaks down Jim Phillips' comments about building a conference where schools "want to be, not have to be" and examines whether the statement was directed at Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, or even the Big 12.

We also discuss:

🏈 ACC Media Days takeaways
🏈 Big 12 vs ACC comparison entering the 2026 season
🏈 Texas Tech's growing tension with the Big 12
🏈 Florida State, Clemson, and North Carolina realignment rumors
🏈 Brett Yormark's biggest challenge heading into 2027
🏈 Whether the Big 12 should expand with Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, or UNLV
🏈 The future of conference realignment and the Power Four structure

Can the Big 12 re-establish itself as the clear No. 3 conference in college football? Or has the ACC quietly regained momentum after reaching the national championship game?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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