Report: Stanford's, Cal's ACC membership bids fail by 1 vote

Stanford and Cal fell one vote short of surpassing the 75% approval threshold needed to join the ACC, sources told Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde and Richard Johnson.

The Cardinal and Golden Bears needed at least 12 of the 15 ACC schools to support the move to officially be offered membership. Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, and North Carolina State reportedly opposed the idea of the Pac-12 pair joining the ACC during initial discussions.

The ACC is thus unlikely to put forward a formal vote for expansion.

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips led discussions on the potential of adding Stanford and Cal, presenting financial and scheduling scenarios to current league members.

The Pac-12 has undergone significant changes recently. Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah will depart to the Big 12 next year, while USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington will join the Big Ten.

Stanford, Cal, Oregon State, and Washington State - the four remaining Pac-12 members - are evaluating their options. Both the Mountain West and AAC would be interested in adding the remaining Pac-12 programs.

Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, and Louisville were reportedly the most vocal in supporting Stanford's and Cal's potential addition.

"The notion that two of the very best academic institutions in the world who also play (Division I) sports could be abandoned in this latest chapter of realignment is an indictment of college athletics," athletic director Jack Swarbrick said.

While the Pac-12 will drop below the eight-member minimum needed for FBS certification, it has a two-year grace period, per NCAA rules. College Football Playoff officials could strip the Pac-12 of its Power 5 conference status when they meet over the next two months.