Florida State, Clemson unlikely to announce ACC exit before Aug. 15 deadline | Report

Florida State and Clemson may not announce an ACC exit this year.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Monday morning that the two programs are not likely to inform the ACC of a departure from the conference ahead of the Aug. 15 deadline.

That would allow the programs to leave ahead of the 2025-26 season and after the 2024-25 season.

Thamel's reporting came on the first day of the ACC Kickoff, a four-day media event that marks the unofficial start of the new season for member schools. Conference commissioner Jim Phillips spoke at the event, and he addressed the ongoing litigation and reports head-on.

"The fact is that every member of this conference willingly signed the Grant of Rights and unanimously, and quite frankly, eagerly agreed to our current television contract and the launch of the ACC Network," Phillips said.

"The ACC, our collective membership and conference office, deserves better. The support for our student-athletes, coaches, and programs is extraordinary.

"That will continue despite these disruptions."

As the lawsuits continue in three states, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, Phillips said the conference will fight the legal battles for however long it needs.

"We will fight to protect the ACC and our members for as long as it takes. We are confident in this league and that it will remain a premier conference in college athletics for the long-term future," Phillips said.

"These disputes continue to be extremely damaging, disruptive, and incredibly harmful to the league, as well as overshadowing our student-athletes and the incredible successes taking place on the field and within the conference."

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney