In a rapidly shifting college football landscape, Florida State University's Board of Trustees is set to convene on Friday to discuss the potential departure of the school from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The move comes as the ACC's binding grant-of-rights agreement, signed with ESPN in 2016, poses challenges for member schools seeking new opportunities.

According to a report by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Florida State's meeting could pave the way for a formal legal filing that marks the initial step towards an exit from the ACC's binding grant-of-rights agreement. This agreement, originally designed as a 20-year arrangement, has become increasingly outdated following the Big Ten and SEC's lucrative media rights contracts. The ACC's agreement is set to run until the academic year 2035-36.

The financial implications of leaving the ACC are significant for Florida State. Should the school proceed with its exit, it may be required to pay an estimated $500 million on top of the existing $120 million exit fee, given the number of years remaining on the grant-of-rights deal. This substantial sum presents a daunting challenge in the current financial landscape of college football.

However, as reported by Dellenger, Florida State could explore the option of seeking a "declaratory judgment action" from a judge, with the intention of being released from the grant-of-rights agreement. Such a legal action, if successful, could potentially establish a precedent for other schools considering a departure from the ACC. Notably, Clemson, North Carolina, Miami, Virginia Tech, Virginia, and NC State have reportedly had discussions regarding a potential exit within the past year, as highlighted by Andrea Adelson of ESPN.

The growing number of schools contemplating a departure from the ACC underscores the evolving reality of college football. With the SEC and Big Ten emerging as dominant powerhouses, schools are increasingly seeking opportunities that align with the ambitions and financial potential these conferences offer. The ACC, once a strong entity in college athletics, is now facing the challenges of navigating this new landscape and retaining its member institutions.

The outcome of Florida State's Board of Trustees meeting and the subsequent actions taken may have far-reaching implications for college football as a whole. As other schools observe the developments surrounding the ACC's grant-of-rights agreement, they may be inspired to follow suit and explore alternative conference affiliations.

As the college football hierarchy continues to shift, it is becoming increasingly clear that the SEC and Big Ten are distinguishing themselves as the "haves" in the sport, leaving other conferences to grapple with the realities of the "have-nots." The potential departure of Florida State and the discussions happening among other ACC schools signify a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of college football.