In an effort to quash speculation that the ACC could lose additional members to other conferences, the presidents of ACC schools pledged their loyalty to the league in a written statement Thursday.

The ACC is losing Maryland to the Big Ten. There has been speculation that the ACC could lose other schools if the Big Ten pursues more expansion or if the Big 12 or Southeastern Conference opt to expand.

“We, the undersigned presidents of the Atlantic Coast Conference, wish to express our commitment to preserve and protect the future of our outstanding league. We want to be clear that the speculation about ACC schools in negotiations or considering alternatives to the ACC are totally false,” the statement said. “The presidents of the ACC are united in our commitment to a strong and enduring conference.”

The statement was signed by the presidents of all the current members except for Maryland, as well as by the presidents of future ACC members Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Notre Dame.

Virginia Tech athletic director Jim Weaver applauded the statement.

“Because of all the different schools that have been rumored [to be leaving], … this letter of unification speaks to the entire membership … and tells the world that we’re together.” Weaver said Thursday. “It makes a broad statement as to the membership of the Atlantic Coast Conference at this point in time and I think it says we’re going to march together into the future.”

The statement is the latest effort by ACC members to quiet fears that the league will be raided again. Officials at Virginia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Duke have said in recent weeks that their schools are staying put.

“Instead of every school having to put out statements, … the world now knows where we are,” Weaver said Thursday.