2. Appalachian State
Perhaps the only program rising at faster pace in the Group of 5 on the east coast than UCF is Appalachian State.
Honestly, adding Appalachian State may not add to the perception of the conference right now, but the Mountaineers are one of the highest-trending programs in the nation.
That coaching job is only going to get hotter and recruiting is becoming much easier. Appalachian State has taken huge steps forward during this 2019 season, beating the likes of South Carolina and UNC, and the Mountaineers are in the mix for a New Year’s Six bowl, though it’s likely they’ll fall just short.
Appalachian State makes senses in terms of geography and the trending nature of its fanbase and program would be a nice ‘early pickup’ for the ACC.