Ranking ACC expansion candidates based off odds to join the conference

ACC expansion could be on the horizon

Just when the college football landscape was looking like it had settled, ACC expansion appears to be in full swing.

Talks between Stanford, Cal, and SMU with the ACC have been off and on but as of Wednesday afternoon they appear to be back on in a major way. Reports indicated that the conference is "seriously considering" adding the three schools and even met earlier on Wednesday to have financial discussions. 

With the expansion discussion running rampant and the season right around the corner, there are expectations that things could happen quickly. The people over at bookies.com released their hypothetical odds for which teams have the best chance to be members of the ACC.

Let's take a look at who has the best hypothetical odds to join!

No Teams

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +350/ 22.2%

The two biggest issues that could prevent any team from joining the conference is money distribution and travel. Not that any of the candidates are wanting large chunks, but because current members are already unhappy. 

The Field

Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +600/14.3%

Outside of the three teams mentioned there haven't been many other names thrown out there.  

Oregon State

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +1500/6.3%

Unfortunately for Oregon State, the likelihood that they will be bumped out of Power 5 consideration continues to grow. Their best bet would be joining the Big 12, who is reportedly out on all four of the Pac-4 schools. 

Washington State

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +1500/6.3%

Washington State and Oregon State are in the exact same boat, so unless the Big 12 changes their mind they are likely going to the Mountain West or the American. 

USF

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +1200/7.7%

Right in the heart of ACC country, USF would likely love to be considered. They are in a top-15 market, and also make sense geographically. However, one would have to think if they are expanding West they'd go with a program closer than them.

Memphis

Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +1000/9.1%

Memphis was interested in joining the Big 12 and the Pac-12 and never got an invite. Maybe things could change when it comes to the conference that they are closest to. 

SMU

Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +650/13.3%

SMU was at one point a top candidate to the conference formerly known as the Pac-12, and now they may work their way into the ACC. They will have to go in for free for a period of time, but eventually their payout will be worth it.

Cal

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +400/20%

Cal was one of the four teams left behind, and while they have been struggling in football and terrible at basketball they are still a highly successful athletic department. 

Stanford

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Odds: +400/20%

Stanford is home to the most successful athletic department in the country, and even with North Carolina's women's soccer coach being opposed to the move they are a huge asset. Stanford is a premier academic and athletic institution, and the fact they find themselves in this position is shocking.