If population (eyeballs) and access to superb athletes aren't of importance to a conference, then what is?
If you have FSU, you have the eyeballs and access to superb athletes. I guess you can double down in Florida, but FSU is already a huge name. If Miami were to be admitted to the Big10, they would have by far the smallest population, by several thousand students. Could it happen? Yeah, especially over those you listed above.
I’m basing my opinion on the fact that they are just going to 20. If they go higher, all bets are off. Here is what I believe the Big10 ACC wishlist would be;
1. Notre Dame - Not happening, but would take them in any condition. So would the SEC.
2. FSU - Huge school in an extremely populous state. Very high viewership. Would really increase the eyeballs on each member university.
3. UNC - Huge basketball school in a growing state. Not a football draw at all, but one of the few basketball schools (UConn included) that can increase viewership in the winter months.
If any of the schools above aren’t included, the Big10 isn’t expanding.
4. UVA - only if paired with UNC. Lower if they aren’t included.
5. Miami - Only if paired with ND, FSU or UNC.
6. VT - Dark horse. Has a Big10 like atmosphere, but just not enough of a draw by themselves.
7. GT - All about the Atlanta eyeballs, but is it enough?
No one else in the ACC has a chance.