This is the first conference of this series that we are diving into that has some legitimate playoff contenders and Heisman candidates. The ACC has 3-4 Top 25 teams (there are arguments for and against both SMU and Louisville), but it is important to remember that even the best conferences have some rough teams at the bottom.
Ultimately, Cade Klubnik and Carson Beck are leading the ACC pack and gunning for a CFP slot. There is a lot of instability in the back end of this conference with a staggering number of coordinator switches, but expect to see at least a couple of these teams making waves late in the year.
1. Clemson Tigers
2024 Record: 10-4 (7-1)
2025 Projected Record: 11-1 (8-0)
The Clemson Tigers are a bona fide CFP contender, and while there are some intriguing teams behind them at the top of the ACC, it is hard to see a world where they do not win it. This team is bringing back a staggering amount of its 2024 starters, with QB Cade Klubnik being the obvious top returnee.
The passing game is the key to the insanely high floor of this year’s Tigers, as Klubnik comes back to throw to a familiar receiver room and fight for top NFL Draft status. With some uncertainty as to who will be the main back in the run game, Klubnik is lined up for a ton of pass attempts and every opportunity to win a Heisman.
The factor that takes this team from high floor to sky high ceiling is the defense. The defense has been underwhelming the last few years, but the hope is that new defensive coordinator Tom Allen (previously of Penn State) can turn it around. There is a lot of returning young talent on the defensive side, with Peter Woods one to especially watch out for, and if Allen can harness all that raw talent and turn it into something cohesive, the Tigers will easily take the ACC and push hard for the playoff championship.
Key Returning Players:
QB Cade Klubnik (SR), WR Antonio Williams (RS JR), DT Peter Woods (JR), CB Aveion Terrell (JR), LB Wade Woodaz (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
DE Will Heldt (JR), LB Jeremiah Alexander (RS JR), WR Tristan Smith (SR)
Heisman Watch: QB Cade Klubnik (+900)
For some, Klubnik is the odds-on favorite for the Heisman. Rolling in with a stacked offense, Klubnik will be the focal point of one of the best teams in the country at the most valued position. If Klubnik wants to win, he will need to up his yards, yards per attempt, and completion percentage while maintaining his TDs and TD to INT ratio. It is definitely possible, so Klubnik is an easy top 3 favorite going into 2025.
2. Miami Hurricanes
2024 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Carson Beck and Mario Cristobal both have a lot to prove in 2025.
Cristobal coached the Hurricanes to a 10-3 record last year, which would have been great had it not ended in a heartbreaking loss to Syracuse that wiped out their playoff hopes. Despite having the future No. 1 overall draft pick in Cam Ward, Cristobal could not overcome an underperforming defense when it mattered most. He will be looking to get over that hump this year.
To do that, he will work with a new quarterback in Georgia transfer Carson Beck. The former Bulldog is the kind of prospect that wows you and baffles you simultaneously. Beck can air the ball out and make the big play, but he has a propensity for ugly interceptions. Now, Beck has the chance to bounce back and rehabilitate his draft stock the same way he rehabilitated his elbow injury. The question is whether Beck will be the same after his UCL injury or if this will be a Matt Barkley situation.
Miami, like Clemson, is bringing in a new defensive coordinator in hopes of fixing their biggest weakness. The difference here is that they are also rolling in a fair amount of transfers to help bolster and improve the starting lineup. DE/DT Reuben Bain Jr. will be the key to defensive success and can be a Chuck Bednarik Award winner if he remains healthy.
Key Returning Players:
DE/DT Reuben Bain Jr. (JR), RB Mark Fletcher Jr. (JR), OT Francis Mauigoa (JR), LB Wesley Bissainthe (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Carson Beck (RS SR), WR CJ Daniels (RS SR), CB Keionte Scott (SR), LB Mohamed Toure (RS SR)
Heisman Watch: QB Carson Beck (+1800)
At his absolute best, Carson Beck is a legitimate Heisman candidate. He makes the kind of big throws that show up on highlight reels and shoehorn a guy into that top player conversation. The two things working against him are inconsistency and injury. Beck’s history of poor interceptions keeps him from getting over the hump, and there is no real way yet to know if post-surgery Beck will be the same as pre-surgery. Elbow recoveries can be tricky. Miami may get lucky enough to have back-to-back Heisman QB contenders.
3. SMU Mustangs
2024 Record: 11-3 (8-0)
2025 Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1)
It is always easy to pick last year’s best team in a conference to repeat. They made it happen before, why would they not make it again?
In the case of SMU, it is simply due to change. The Mustangs were impressive in 2024, with a sense of completeness. They had an offense that functioned on all levels and a disruptive defense that created penetration and chaos.
Unfortunately, while they have a decent number of starters returning, they have had to rebuild multiple whole positional sections, with wide receiver, running back, and defensive line being the biggest. Add on a quarterback in Kevin Jennings that I honestly think is more questionable than some may admit, and there is some serious concern of a falloff in 2025.
However, they are still a strong team. Rhett Lashlee has quickly ascended to the top tier of college head coaches, and his quick turnaround of the program to Top 25 status bodes well as they look to rebuild. The offensive line is the strength of the offense, so if Jennings can get into a groove, and if the Mustangs can master a quick-read passing attack, they can get right back into the mix.
Key Returning Players:
QB Kevin Jennings (RS JR), OT PJ Williams (RS JR), CB Deuce Harmon (RS SR), S Isaiah Nwokobia (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Yamir Knight (JR), RB T.J. Harden (RS JR), DT Jeffrey Mba (GR), LB Zakye Barker (RS JR)
4. Louisville Cardinals
2024 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Louisville is a classic almost-there kind of team, one that has struggled to become a proper contender despite being a notable program with measured success and players finding playing time in the pros. The Cardinals have been unable to hold onto grown talent, and that was a continued theme this past offseason.
The Cardinals will see a large mix of first-time starters and transfer starters in 2025, much the same as they did in 2024. Miller Moss steps in as the starting quarterback after a run at USC that would be best described as unremarkable. The Cardinals will likely need to rely on their running backs to carry the offense, as Miller Moss will need to adjust. Expect big things out of Isaac Brown in the lead back role.
The defense has its fair share of playmakers and is the main reason this team is in the conversation for a Top 25 spot. With a beastly linebacker core and multiple legitimate edge rushers, the front seven of this defense can take Louisville to a solid bowl game win.
Key Returning Players:
RB Isaac Brown (SO), C Peter Nygra (RS SR), LB TJ Quinn (RS SR), S D’Angelo Hutchinson (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Miller Moss (RS SR), WR Dacari Collins (RS SR), DE Clev Lubin (RS JR), S JoJo Evans (RS SR)
5. Duke Blue Devils
2024 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 8-4 (6-2)
It has been interesting watching Duke resurrect their football program over the past five or so years. This program will always be overshadowed by their basketball counterparts, but there has been steady progress over the last several years, and this year feels as though it will continue in the same window of winning.
The Blue Devils roll in a young quarterback to take over the starting spot, Tulane transfer Darian Mensah. Mensah is one of the more intriguing young passers in the NCAA right now and could rapidly become Duke’s next Drake Maye. He will be working with a solid offensive line but a mostly new receiver room, so it may be a mixed bag this year.
The defense mostly returns, and like many ACC teams, the defense has been the strong point. If Mensah can play up to the glimmers of potential that have been shown, there is an outside shot at Duke pushing for a matchup in the ACC Championship.
Key Returning Players:
RB Jaquez Moore (RS SR), OT Bruno Fina (GR), DE Vincent Anthony Jr. (SR), S Terry Moore (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Darian Mensah (RS SO), DT Josiah Green (GR), WR Andrel Anthony (GR), WR Cooper Barkate (GR)
6. Florida State Seminoles
2024 Record: 2-10 (1-7)
2025 Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Being completely honest, it is difficult to list the Seminoles this high in a conference of 17. The 2-10 collapse of 2024 goes down as one of the most shocking college football falls in recent memory. Projecting them to even get to middle-of-the-pack is uncertain, but here is the one thing I am certain of: there is no way they repeat 2024.
Florida State has a ton of rebuilding to do, and it has started hard and fast. Nearly all of Florida State’s offensive starters will be transfers, including at quarterback. Tommy Castellanos will take over the helm, but with receiver and offensive line rooms that are mostly, if not entirely, new to each other, Castellanos will have to hope that team chemistry builds super quickly.
The defense has slightly better retention, holding onto players like Shyheim Brown and Darrell Jackson Jr. while bringing in a few more starter-quality transfers. This team will not be in the mix for a conference championship, but there is bound to be some improvement. The question is how much, and whether it will be enough for Mike Norvell to keep his job.
Key Returning Players:
RB Roydell Williams (RS SR), S Shyheim Brown (RS SR), NT Darrell Jackson Jr. (RS SR), G Richie Leonard IV (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Tommy Castellanos (SR), WR Squirrel White (SR), DE James Williams (RS JR), LB Elijah Herring (SR)
7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
2024 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 7-5 (5-3)
As underrated teams go, the 2025 Yellow Jackets are up there. This was a team that had some massive wins in 2024 before dealing with serious injury issues and defensive inconsistencies.
Georgia Tech’s offense will steamroll just about anyone, though that is predicated on QB Haynes King being healthy. His battering ram style of option play leaves him susceptible to injury at any moment, but there is not really a way around it. A bit of luck will be required for Tech to take advantage of the talent they have. They return King, running back Jamal Haynes, and all-conference guard Keylan Rutledge, so the running game is still built for mass yardage.
The defense is another story, and not an uncommon one in the ACC this year. A new coordinator and several new starters join a defense that has struggled heavily the past few years. They will need to find production from transfers like Ronald Triplette and A.J. Hoffler if they hope to improve in 2025.
Key Returning Players:
QB Haynes King (RS SR), RB Jamal Haynes (RS SR), G Keylan Rutledge (SR), WR Malik Rutherford (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
OT Will Reed (RS SR), DE A.J. Hoffler (JR), DE Ronald Triplette (RS SR), CB Jy Gilmore (RS SR)
8. North Carolina Tar Heels
2024 Record: 6-7 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (4-4)
How do you even begin to quantify the impact Bill Belichick will have on a college football program?
In 2025, it will definitely be in the number of transfers pouring in, as well as the defensive potential and performance. The Tar Heels defensive starters will be almost entirely comprised of transfers, with one or two holdovers from the old regime. Belichick will mold this defense quickly, and do not be surprised to see immediate dividends.
The offense will likely take longer to come around. New starting quarterback Gio Lopez is young and will likely suffer some growing pains, but he will have an experienced offensive line in front of him to help ease into the role. The Tar Heels will be a defensive powerhouse, but even with a Hall of Fame coach at the helm, it will take some time to turn North Carolina into a football juggernaut.
Key Returning Players:
CB Marcus Allen (SR), CB Kaleb Cost (JR), C Austin Blaske (GR), WR Kobe Paysour (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Gio Lopez (RS SO), DE Pryce Yates (RS SR), OT Will O’Steen (RS SR), LB Andrew Simpson (RS SR)
9. NC State Wolfpack
2024 Record: 6-7 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)
This will feel like a low ranking by some for NC State, but the reality is they are dealing with a lot of change that is being backfilled by a mix of proven and unproven talent. They have a young quarterback in CJ Bailey who played above expectations as a true freshman last year but still has a lot to prove.
Dave Doeren has been coaching this team a long time, but the inability to hold onto talent lately is keeping the Wolfpack from progressing. The offense could bounce back, but the defense will likely regress. This is a mid-level team at best.
Key Returning Players:
QB CJ Bailey (SO), G Anthony Carter Jr. (GR), CB Devon Marshall (SR), LB Caden Fordham (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
CB Brian Nelson II (RS SO), LB Tra Thomas (GR), C Jalen Grant (GR), OL Teague Andersen (RS JR)
10. Pittsburgh Panthers
2024 Record: 7-6 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)
Pitt has a lot of questions to answer in 2025. Their 2024 record is misleading to say the least, as it was entirely comprised of two streaks: an opening seven-game win streak followed by a closing six-game losing streak.
The hope is that this roster, which was quite young last year, grows around each other and can harness the early-season success through a full year. Quarterback Eli Holstein returns after a year that started great but was soon derailed by injuries.
There are a few transfers of note, but this roster is mostly homegrown. Running back Desmond Reid returns, and the Panthers have a lot of productivity returning in both trenches. Holstein could come out swinging and lead this team to some unexpected wins, but there is a good chance it ends up being less rosy than that.
Key Returning Players:
QB Eli Holstein (RS SO), RB Desmond Reid (SR), S Javon McIntyre (RS SR), C Lyndon Cooper (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
DE Blaine Spires (GR), K James London (JR), WR Cataurus Hicks (RS SO), T Jeff Persi (RS SR)
11. Virginia Tech Hokies
2024 Record: 6-7 (4-4)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (4-4)
The Hokies had an ugly 1-5 start last season before ripping off a massive 5-2 finish. It was a little too late, but momentum is a valuable thing for a program. The unfortunate part is that there is a lack of continuity in the starting lineup, so some of that momentum gets lost in the shuffle.
Kyron Drones steps in for his final season as a Hokie and has been a bright spot for Virginia Tech, so having one last ride with the dual-threat quarterback is a boon for fans. Beyond him though, it is mostly new starters, both homegrown and transfers, and new coordinators on both ends. This will be a transition year that probably leads to another transition year, so fans should just enjoy Drones’ swan song and prepare for a program rebuild.
Key Returning Players:
QB Kyron Drones (RS SR), TE Benji Gosnell (RS JR), LB Jaden Keller (RS SR), DT Kelvin Gilliam Jr. (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
RB Terion Stewart (RS SR), WR Donovan Greene (GR), DE James Djonkam (GR), S Tyson Flowers (RS JR)
12. California Golden Bears
2024 Record: 6-7 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)
High roster turnover and new coordinators on both sides make Cal look like a team that will just be trying to get by this year.
Indoctrinating new starting quarterback, Devin Brown, and running back, Brandon High Jr., as well as many new wide receivers and offensive linemen, mean there is no easy way to project this offense. The same is true for the defense, where half the linebacker corps and nearly all the defensive backs will be new faces.
The transfer talent gained is respectable, but with this much roster change for a team that hasn’t had a winning record since 2019, expectations have to be modest.
Key Returning Players:
LB Cade Uluave (JR), NT Aidan Keanaaina (RS SR), OT Braden Miller (RS JR), WR Trond Grizzell (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Devin Brown (RS JR), RB Brandon High Jr. (RS SO), WR Mark Hamper (RS SO), DE Tyson Ford (RS SO)
13. Syracuse Orange
2024 Record: 10-3 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)
The Syracuse Orange were a surprising and competitive flash in the pan in 2024, shooting the program into a conversation it is rarely in when it comes to football. Many will expect that success to continue, but there are several factors suggesting otherwise.
The Orange will be bringing in new starters at most offensive skill positions, including finding a new quarterback to replace Kyle McCord, which will either be Steve Angeli or Rickie Collins. They also face a huge jump in strength of schedule, pairing off against several projected Top 25 opponents.
The offensive line is mostly new starters, and the defense is mediocre with a lack of overall proven production. Syracuse will likely come back down to earth in 2025.
Key Returning Players:
S Duce Chestnut (RS SR), WR Darrell Gill Jr. (JR), OT Da’Metrius Weatherspoon (RS SR), RB Yasin Willis (SO)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Johntay Cook (JR), DE Kevin Jobity Jr. (SR), QB Steve Angeli (RS JR), QB Rickie Collins (RS SO)
14. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2024 Record: 4-8 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Wake Forest is a shell of what it was five years ago, even three years ago.
Jake Dickert begins his Wake Forest head coaching career with a slapped-together roster and no clear direction. The majority of this squad is a gallery of redshirt seniors, so Dickert will need to focus on rebuilding the program’s reputation quickly and put together a defining recruiting class.
There are some solid transfers in the crowd, but this will be a write-off year for the Demon Deacons.
Key Returning Players:
RB Demond Claiborne (SR), DE BJ Williams (RS SR), LB Dylan Hazen (RS SR), G George Sell (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Robby Ashford (RS SR), WR Sterling Berkhalter (RS SR), CB Ashaad Williams (RS SR), DE Gabe Kirschke (RS JR)
15. Boston College Eagles
2024 Record: 7-6 (4-4)
2025 Projected Record: 3-9 (1-7)
Bill O’Brien has a lot of work ahead of him, and this could be a difficult season.
The Eagles were an up-and-down experience last year, and more of the same is expected again. The return of QB Grayson James, who took over for now-departed Tommy Castellanos late last year, offers some offensive hope. However, the offensive line lost some top-tier guys, as did the front seven of the defense.
O’Brien might squeak out a couple of extra wins because he’s a good coach, but looking at the depth chart, this situation feels like one or two injuries away from disaster and a dismal win record.
Key Returning Players:
QB Grayson James (RS SR), WR Lewis Bond (RS SR), DE Quintayvious Hutchins (RS SR), LB Owen McGowan (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
C Tommy Matheson (RS SR), QB Dylan Lonergan (RS SO), WR VJ Wilkins (RS JR), DE Onye Nwosisi (SR)
16. Virginia Cavaliers
2024 Record: 5-7 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 3-9 (1-7)
Tony Elliott has really struggled since replacing former Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall several years ago. The Cavaliers have been bad on both sides of the ball and have regressed heavily in the win column during Elliott’s tenure.
This squad will be rolling out a ton of transfers to try to right the ship, but until Elliott can prove his worth as a competent head coach, the assumption has to be that they will continue to finish near the basement of this conference.
Key Returning Players:
RB Xavier Brown (RS JR), WR Trell Harris (RS JR), LB Kam Robinson (JR), LB James Jackson (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Chandler Morris (GR), WR Jahmal Edrine (RS SR), CB Kenan Johnson (GR), DE Cazeem Moore (SR)
17. Stanford Cardinal
2024 Record: 3-9 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 1-11 (0-8)
Frank Reich is a tremendous coaching pull for Stanford, even on an interim basis. Outside of that, there is not much to say here.
Stanford has been spiraling downward for years, and there is not enough talent on this roster to cause any realistic optimism in 2025. The returning players lack proven production and few, if any, have big-play potential. In addition, the transfer portal class is minimal and brings no immediate help. It is going to be a rough year in Palo Alto.
Key Returning Players:
QB Elijah Brown (RS FR), DE Anthony Franklin (RS SR), G Jack Leyrer (RS SR), S Mitch Leigber (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
LB Hunter Barth (RS SR), CB Jordan Washington (RS SR), WR CJ Williams (SR), T Niki Prongos (RS JR)
Championship Game Prediction
Clemson defeats Miami
Games to Circle
LSU at Clemson (Aug. 30): One of the best opening week matchups you could ask for. Both Tiger teams will be battling for early-season momentum, top ranking placement, and the Heisman hopes of Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier will both be on the line. Expect fireworks, big plays, and a likely tight finish.
Miami at SMU (Nov. 1): Clemson is the likely top ACC team this year, but Miami and SMU will be battling for that other spot in the ACC Championship. This will be a massively pivotal matchup, with the winner being the likely opponent for Clemson in that championship game. This late in the year, everything will be on the line.
Florida State at Florida (Nov. 29): Depending on how FSU fares early in the season, this in-state rivalry game could be high stakes. Norvell needs big wins to keep his job after last year’s collapse, and this end-of-season matchup could determine if FSU goes bowling and whether or not Norvell returns to Tallahassee in 2026.
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