The Pac-12 Conference may have fallen apart in summer 2023, but for two San Francisco Bay Area institutions, Cal and Stanford, a new chapter began in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This unexpected move brought the Golden Bears and Cardinal football programs to the East Coast, where they were formally introduced to their new conference mates during ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C.
Cal coach Justin Wilcox found himself facing questions about the team’s challenging schedule, which includes matchups against powerhouse programs like Auburn and Florida State. Wilcox, entering his eighth season at the helm, admitted that if someone had asked him a few years ago about such a scenario, he wouldn’t have believed it possible. The dramatic changes in college football over the past year have been nothing short of astonishing, with conference realignment taking center stage.
Both Wilcox and Stanford head coach Troy Taylor chose to focus on the level of play in the ACC rather than the logistical challenges of competing in a conference located three time zones away. Taylor, in his second year leading the Cardinal, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face top-tier competition in the ACC.
Stanford, a program with a storied history, looks to bounce back from a string of disappointing seasons, while Cal boasts one of the nation’s top offensive weapons in running back Jaydn Ott. Ott has already made a significant impact in his first two seasons, racking up impressive rushing yards and touchdowns. He is poised to break records and make a name for himself in the ACC.
The ACC media days also shed light on other conference members, including new addition SMU and perennial powerhouse Florida State. The Seminoles are eager to put the disappointment of being snubbed from the College Football Playoff in 2023 behind them and focus on the upcoming season. Head coach Mike Norvell and his team are determined to write their own chapter of success and redemption.
As the ACC continues to evolve and adapt to changes in the college football landscape, teams like Cal, Stanford, and Florida State are embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with competing in a highly competitive conference. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable journey for all involved, as these programs strive to make their mark in the ever-changing world of college football.
