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| Jaydn Ott, California |
Power Rankings
9. North Carolina Tar Heels
Offense: Replacing Drake Maye after an illustrious few years in Chapel Hill remains priority No. 1 for the Tar Heels in 2024. Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey are left to decide between holdover Conner Harrell, who started the bowl game after Maye's opt-out, or former LSU and Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson. It will be an interesting choice - we know who Johnson is at this point in his career and he's proven to be serviceable, but Harrell may be the right call in the long-term.
Whoever does start will have the benefit of having Omarion Hampton next to them in the backfield, as the junior tailback is fresh off a season in which he totaled over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. He'll be a Doak Walker Award frontrunner in 2024.
Hampton will have to make do with a depleted offensive line that saw several starters depart over the offseason. Senior guard Willie Lampkin will anchor the unit, but it's now or never for several former big-name recruits to show what they can do, including sophomore Zach Rice.
Meanwhile, on the perimeter, the Tar Heels don't have a superstar, but have an abundance of solid pieces. Seniors J.J. Jones and Nate McCollum have proven to be quality playmakers when needed, while Gavin Blackwell and Kobe Paysour offer upside. Tight end should also be strong, with veterans John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit joined by Max Johnson's younger brother, Jake.
Defense: For far too long, the Tar Heel defense has been holding the program back, and it was clear Mack Brown felt he had to act. He parted ways with longtime friend Gene Chizik and brought in Geoff Collins, the former Georgia Tech head coach who has had numerous previous defensive coordinator positions.
The thing is, Collins is going to have no shortage of talent at his disposal here. In particular, the front seven is loaded with former four and five-star prospects who just haven't quite lived up to the hype. Names like Desmond Evans, Travis Shaw, Beau Atkinson - can these guys finally put it together over the course of an entire campaign? On the interior, veteran Jahvaree Ritzie is a key returnee and Ole Miss transfer Joshua Harris adds depth.
Senior middle linebacker Power Echols is the best player on this defense, a proven veteran who notched over 100 tackles in 2023. He's going to set the tone for this entire defense, but there's not much experience beyond him at the linebacker spot, which could be quite the first-year challenge for Collins.
The secondary has been prone to the big play throughout Brown's second stint in Chapel Hill. Several starters are back, namely corners Alijah Huzzie and Marcus Allen, but consistency is key here. The safety position will benefit from the transfer of Jakeen Harris, who comes over from in-state rival NC State.
Bottom Line: UNC has been an incredibly hard team to read the last several seasons. They've recruited very well and spent the vast majority of the last half-decade firmly perched inside the Top 25, but it still doesn't feel like they've had a true breakthrough. I don't think 2024 will be that year as they begin life post-Maye, but matching last season's eight wins seems like a reasonable goal. The schedule certainly works out in their favor - aside from road trips to Minnesota and Florida State, it's incredibly easy, and they get NC State at home this year. But, do we trust this Heels program to capitalize?
10. Duke Blue Devils
Offense: Jonathan Brewer takes over the reigns of this Duke offense as offensive coordinator after a stint at SMU. He'll do so with a new quarterback under center, as Maalik Murphy arrives from Texas to fill the shoes of Riley Leonard, who transferred to Notre Dame.
Murphy appeared in seven games and started two for the Longhorns in 2023 after an injury to Quinn Ewers and looked capable, although throwing three interceptions wasn't particularly encouraging. At 6'5" with a frame built more like a middle linebacker than quarterback, he's quite the interesting talent, and how quickly he gels with Brewer could determine Duke's ceiling this fall.
Fortunately, Duke has plenty of pieces returning alongside Murphy, including a trio of receivers in Jordan Moore, Eli Pancol, and Sahmir Hagans. At running back, Jaquez Moore looks to get the first crack at taking over feature back duties as he enters his final year with the program, but sophomore Peyton Jones is a breakout candidate to watch. Although he was held to just 20 carries all of last season, Jones is one of the highest-rated recruits Duke has ever had at the position.
Defense: New head coach Manny Diaz has made a living on this side of the ball, but he'll have his work cut out for him in 2024. The cupboard is far from completely bare, but the Blue Devils were hit hard up front, where they lose all four starters.
Although there is significant production gone from the D-Line, junior end Vincent Anthony Jr. has been with the program for several years and remains a familiar face, while senior Ryan Smith looks to slide into a starting role at the opposite end spot. Although undersized, Smith is a hard-working defender who could finally emerge in his final year on campus.
Look for linebacker Tre Freeman to play a crucial leadership role after leading the Blue Devils with 106 tackles in 2023. However, others are going to need to step up around him if Duke is to keep the stifling rush defense they had for much of last season.
The secondary returns two familiar faces in Chandler Rivers at corner and Jaylen Stinson at safety, with Stinson finishing just behind Freeman in tackles a year ago. Both could be All-ACC talents, and I'm curious to see how Diaz and staff use Stinson, who could be a Swiss Army Knife in 2024. Senior Joshua Pickett also returns, and should start next to Rivers at cornerback.
Bottom Line: Mike Elko's departure after two seasons in Durham was disappointing, but somewhat expected, and the program rebounded by hiring Diaz to run the show. Although Diaz struggled in his first ACC coaching stint at Miami, he seems to have grown since, and should benefit from being in a low-pressure situation like Duke. He'll also benefit from having a really strong roster for his debut season, one that should deliver the Blue Devils bowl eligibility this fall.
11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Offense: Georgia Tech's offensive turnaround was one of the better storylines in the ACC last fall, and head coach Brent Key managed to keep all the key pieces in place for 2024. That includes quarterback Haynes King, 1,000-yard rusher Jamal Haynes, and co-offensive coordinators Buster Faulkner and Chris Weinke.
King couldn't stay healthy at Texas A&M but showed just how much he can bring to the table when he was 100 percent in 2023. His dual-threat ability gives this Georgia Tech offense an interesting element and with another year in this offense, he should be one of the best in the league. Not only that, he'll have the benefit of having most of his top pass-catchers back, namely Malik Rutherford, Eric Singleton, and former Alabama transfer Christian Leary.
Key's specialty is on the offensive line, and this unit was a major reason why the Yellow Jackets boasted the top ground attack in the conference last fall. Now, four starters return to clear the run way for Haynes, who should have another productive campaign.
Defense: It was the defense that caused headaches for Key and the Yellow Jackets a season ago, and the head coach responded by shuffling his staff. Between the coaching changes and plenty of personnel turnover, it should be an interesting fall on this side of the ball.
Makius Scott and Kevin Harris should be a fearsome pass rushing duo off the edge this year, while veteran Zeek Biggers swallows off space on the interior. Add in Romello Height, who comes over after previous stops at Auburn and USC, and the defensive line could be the strength of this defense.
Kyle Efford was a revelation as a freshman a year ago and ended up leading Georgia Tech in tackles. He'll be back to steer the linebacker corps, as will senior Trenilyas Tatum, the likely other starter in what expects to be a 4-2-5 defensive scheme.
The secondary fared slightly better than the leaky rush defense and returns several key pieces, but there's plenty of room for improvement. Corner Ahmari Harvey is a difference-maker, and the duo of Lamiles Brooks and Clayton Powell-Lee is crucial. With that being said, depth on the back-end is a major problem at this point.
Bottom Line: Brent Key wasn't a flashy hire, but it's looking more and more like a shrewd move by Georgia Tech brass. In him, the program has an alum in charge who knows how to win here and has a system in place to succeed. This team could be a dark horse in 2024 after going over .500 in the conference last fall. However, a difficult schedule stands in their way, one that includes Georgia and Notre Dame in the non-conference, on top of a typical ACC slate.
12. California Golden Bears
Offense: After years of turnover at the skill positions, Cal is finally hoping they've found a winning long-term formula under Justin Wilcox. Junior tailback Jaydn Ott is already one of the best in the country and will look to show out in the new ACC landscape, but the play of sophomore quarterback Fernando Mendoza may have the largest impact on this team's success in 2024. Mendoza took over midseason and looked the part, but will have to avoid the all-too-common sophomore slump.
Mendoza will be throwing to an interesting mix of receivers, one that is without top target Jeremiah Hunter following his transfer. Despite Hunter's departure, Trond Grizzell returns to lead the way, while transfers Tobias Merriweather and Mikey Matthews bring playmaking potential.
The offensive line took major steps forward in 2023 and will look to be one of the more improved groups in the conference this fall. Three starters are back, although the two new starters come at crucial positions in center and left tackle.
Although there is plenty returning, a young quarterback mixed with new offensive coordinator in Mike Bloesch make this quite the wild card. Even with Ott in the backfield, it's hard to know what to expect from the Golden Bear offense looking ahead to the fall.
Defense: It was a strange 2023 for the Cal defense. Although they led the nation in takeaways, with 28, their defensive numbers weren't great and they struggled to consistently defend the pass. Coordinator Peter Sirmon is back and will look to stabilize this unit.
Expect this team to run a hybrid 2-4-5 look again this fall, with veterans Ricky Correia and Ethan Saunders the likely starters up front. Behind them, the Golden Bears are blessed with an emerging star in Cade Uluave, fresh off a season in which he was named Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. Former Florida transfer David Reese will also be patrolling the unit, giving Sirmon plenty to play with.
With just about every big name back in the secondary, certainly the hope is for major strides to be made here. Senior safety Craig Woodson is the leader, but Cal is also hoping for more from their corners, with Nohl Williams returning, and newcomer Marcus Harris likely to slide into an important role right away.
Bottom Line: It's no secret Cal athletics is in dire financial straits and while the move to the ACC could breath fresh life into the program, it's hard to imagine how things will look in the long-term. Head coach Justin Wilcox is now tasked with recruiting West Coast players to play across the country at a school that simply doesn't have the resources needed to pour into football. The roster is good enough to hover around bowl eligibility in the first run in the ACC, but 2025 and beyond remain a mystery in Berkeley.
13. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Offense: It turns out life after Sam Hartman isn't as easy as Wake Forest was hoping for. An offense that came to be known as one of the most creative and fun-to-watch in the ACC struggled mightily in 2023, and head coach Dave Clawson turned over the personnel in a big way over the offseason.
Running this show will be either newcomer Hank Bachmeier or fifth year Michael Kern, who is in his final run in Winston-Salem. Bachmeier may have the slight edge because of what he's shown at past stops with Boise State and Louisiana Tech, but the former freshman phenom hasn't lived up to the hype after a great start with the Broncos.
The good news is that whoever starts at quarterback will have the luxury of an explosive receiver corps to throw to, headlined by Taylor Morin and Donavon Greene. That is, assuming Greene can stay on the field, as he's suffered season-ending injuries two of the last three seasons here.
The offensive line struggled throughout much of last season and will have to get back on track if this ground game is to improve. But, the prognosis is not super encouraging, as the Demon Deacons look to break in three new starters.
Defense: It's been the defense that has long lowered Wake's chances of success, but coordinator Brad Lambert has made strides over his two seasons in charge. There's hope that Year Three could be his best one yet, thanks in large part to an experienced front seven.
Senior edge rusher Jasheen Davis could be one of the most impactful defensive linemen in the league this fall, while fellow veterans Kendron Wayman and Kevin Pointer give the Demon Deacons plenty of weaponry up front. Behind them, junior Dylan Hazen returns after leading Wake in tackles in 2023.
Cornerback could make or break this defense this fall. Safety is in a better spot with veterans Nick Andersen and Evan Slocum returning, even if both experienced their fair share of ups-and-downs a season ago. But, the corners have to be better if this defense is to improve, and losing Caelen Carson doesn't help. Kent State transfer Capone Blue should help, but Wake also needs more from holdover Jamare Glasker.
Bottom Line: It came as a shock to see Wake Forest, who had been so consistent under Clawson, slide to the bottom of the ACC standings in 2023. Something tells me this team should be much improved in 2024, with the passing game likely to take off and an experienced defense. However, this is another team with a tricky schedule, and there's enough questions on both sides of the ball to think that anything beyond returning to a bowl feels like a stretch.
14. Pittsburgh Panthers
Offense: After a horrific offensive performance in 2023, Pat Narduzzi brought on 31-year old Kade Bell from Western Carolina to run the Panther offense. It will quite the transition for this group as they move from the traditional, ground-and-pound scheme Narduzzi has favored to a wide-open, no-huddle system under Bell, and they'll do so with a new man under center.
Junior Nate Yarnell was decent in two starts for Pittsburgh a season ago, with the team going 1-1 in those performances, but he spent spring trying to fend off Alabama transfer Eli Holstein for the starting QB job. Holstein brings with him a higher ceiling, and the former blue-chip prospect seems to be on the inside track for the job as things stand before fall camp.
The good news is that there are plenty of weapons surrounding the quarterback position, including steady tailback Rodney Hammond, explosive wide out Konata Mumpfield, and underrated tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Bell also brought with him several pieces from Western Carolina who will be making the jump from FCS ball to Power Four action, including Censere Lee at receiver.
The offensive line should be a strength, even as they adjust to the new scheme, as four starters return to their ranks. Senior left tackle Branson Taylor is the headliner, but the Panthers are thin at guard, which could spell doom for their ground game.
Bringing on Bell was a necessary move for Pittsburgh after last season, but is Narduzzi going to let the offensive coordinator have his way? It's no secret Narduzzi has been known as a micro-manager when it comes to his offenses, and a move this type of scheme could be a chaotic one. Time will tell, and returning so much talent helps, but this side of the ball is going to make the difference between a successful season or not for the Panthers.
Defense: Defense remains the backbone of this program, but it's also coming off a rough campaign, finishing 73rd nationally in points allowed per game. The prognosis for 2024 isn't particularly encouraging after Pitt saw several key departures over the offseason, including the unexpected spring transfer of standout end Dayon Hayes, who had 10.5 TFL in 2023.
The front seven is a complete mystery at this point - there's certainly enough talent to think this could still be a quality group, but losing both Hayes and D-Line coach Charlie Partridge is a killer. Senior end Nate Matlack is going to have to be a leader, as there's significant youth throughout the depth chart. With that being said, youngster Sincere Edwards came on strong in spring ball and could be an instant contributor.
The linebacker corps has holes, but is the deepest it has been in some time, while the secondary returns several familiar faces, including safeties Donovan McMillon and Javon McIntyre. Both are proven playmakers who are going to come down and help often in run support, but don't be surprised if teams look to pick on Pitt's corners, especially early. M.J. Devonshire, A.J. Woods, and Marquis Williams are all gone, but fortunately redshirt sophomore Ryland Gandy has impressed, and has received rave reviews from Narduzzi and staff.
Bottom Line: Less than two years removed from an ACC Title, Pittsburgh's descent to the bottom of the ACC was even more surprising than the similar slide from Wake Forest. Narduzzi has built a consistent winner here, but he's under pressure as we look towards 2024. Overhauling the offense may help, but has the old-school head coach done enough to prepare the program for the rigors of the NIL and transfer portal era? Another year without a bowl, which feels like a possibility, could mean it's time for a change.
15. Boston College Eagles
Offense: Former UCF transfer Thomas Castellanos was a revelation for the Eagles in 2023, starting 12 games and becoming the first BC quarterback in program history to record over 2,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. Big things will now be expected of the junior as he gears up for 2024, but the goal should be for him to continue to grow and round out his game, including making better decisions with the ball.
Veteran Kye Robichaux is back alongside Castellanos in the backfield, and will now be joined by Treshaun Ward, who returns to the ACC after a pit stop at Kansas State. Ward began his career at Florida State.
Finding playmakers to emerge at receiver for Castellanos will be one of the chief goals of the early regular season, although there are promising pieces. Even more important will be continued growth along the offensive line, which made strides in 2023 after an injury-plagued fall prior, but is still far too inconsistent.
Running the show here will be Will Lawing, a longtime friend of Bill O'Brien who has spent most of his career in the NFL. How does he adjust to helping run a college offense, especially with a very unique quarterback at its helm?
Defense: The Boston College defense was far too leaky in 2023, a result of a real lack of pressure up front. They hope to change that this fall under new coordinator Tim Lewis, who has the benefit of four starters back along the defensive line. George Rooks and Cam Horsley are proven pieces on the interior, but it's the ends that will have their work cut out for them.
Kam Arnold and Bryce Steele are important building blocks for this defense, both returning to lead the linebacker corps. Neither are flashy, but are the type of hard-working, consistent defenders who O'Brien and staff will lean on as they begin a new era of Boston College football.
Corners Amari Jackson and Max Tucker give this pass defense a fighting chance in the ACC, and the staff worked the portal to land potential contributors in Ryan Turner from Ohio State and Bryquice Brown from Georgia State. However, the safety spots are major question marks the closer we inch towards the regular season, and will have to be remedied if this team is to survive a league schedule.
Bottom Line: Jeff Hafley managed a 7-6 season, capped off with a Fenway Bowl victory, despite being on a flaming hot seat throughout the fall. Despite the surprising season, Hafley didn't chose to stick around any longer, instead jumping to the NFL to take over the defensive coordinator spot for the Green Bay Packers. Now, Bill O'Brien will be tasked with leading the Boston College program after a chaotic few years flipping between the NFL and collegiate ranks. It's been over a decade since O'Brien was last in charge of a college program, and this is a completely different situation than what he had at Penn State. Castellanos and a veteran defense should keep this team in the bowl hunt, but at one of the toughest jobs in Power Four ball, O'Brien will have a lot to prove this fall.
16. Stanford Cardinal
Offense: We became so used to Stanford's signature style under David Shaw, built on a power-run game behind a physical, relentless offensive line. Second-year head coach Troy Taylor has come on and completely revamped things in Palo Alto, now running a spread offense that will look to aggressively take shots down the field. There were growing pains as the offense was implemented in 2023, but the hope is that it will lead to payoffs this fall and beyond.
Junior quarterback Ashton Daniels is back to run the offense after an up-and-down season as starter, but will have to fend off highly touted newcomer Elijah Brown to hold on to the starting job. Fortunately for Daniels, he will have his top three targets returning alongside him, headlined by sophomore Elic Ayomanor, who could be one of the best in the country this season.
Although Taylor is going to look to the aerial attack as the bread and butter for this offense, the Cardinal still need more from their ground game and O-Line. They were one of the worst rushing teams in all of power conference ball in 2023, quite the departure form norm for a program that produced stars like Christian McCaffery and Bryce Love in just the last decade. Sophomore Sedrick Irvin will be the feature back, while the offensive line returns three starters.
Defense: If Stanford has any hopes of competing in the ACC this fall, the defense absolutely has to be better. This unit ranked 129th in the nation in yards allowed and was shelled by even mediocre offenses. There's clearly work to be done for coordinator Bobby April III, although there's enough back to hope for improvements.
The defensive front is short on star power and experience, although end/outside linebacker David Bailey could be the best player on this side of the ball. He notched five sacks last fall and proved to be one of the few Cardinal defenders who could consistently get after the quarterback - he will be ultra-important in 2024.
Tristan Sinclair and Gaethan Bernadel are two proven linebackers returning for their senior seasons, so there's reason to believe the rush defense could be solid this fall. With that being said, it's the pass defense that needs the most work, after surrendering the most in the country a season ago. Beyond junior Collin Wright, who should be an All-ACC candidate, there's not a ton to be excited about.
Bottom Line: The current state of college football has made Stanford arguably the toughest power job in the country, and Taylor has the unenviable task of replacing a legend in David Shaw. With that being said, there were some positives to take away from 2023, even as the Cardinal went 3-9, and the offense alone should be a fun watch in the new league. Contending is out of the question, but this could be intriguing team near the bottom of the ACC standings bound for a big upset or two.
17. Virginia Cavaliers
Offense: Tony Elliott made a name for himself as an offensive guru, and the Cavaliers really started to show progress on this side of the ball in 2023. The passing attack in particular was one of the better in the ACC, and now Virginia returns two quarterbacks with starting experience in Tony Muskett and Anthony Colandrea.
Muskett, a former transfer from Monmouth, struggled with injuries last fall but had his bright moments, including a three-touchdown day against Boston College. He does have the edge in overall experience, but the sophomore Colandrea feels like the favorite to take the job after showcasing exciting upside a year ago. Colandrea will have to eliminate the mistakes that plagued him in 2023, but that was to be expected of a freshman QB in a power league - he should be a fun watch this year.
Unfortunately, Virginia lost their top weapon out wide in Malik Washington, and will now have to rely on returnees Malachi Fields and J.R. Wilson, along with transfer Chris Tyree. Tyree could be an interesting one - the former Notre Dame running back never quite lived up to his potential in South Bend but is a speedster who can line up anywhere. I'm curious to see how Elliott and coordinator Desmond Kitchings use him this year.
The Cavaliers struggled to run the ball in 2023, but there's reason to believe things could be much improved here. Xavier Brown was impressive in 2022 before an injury-plagued season last year and now looks to be 100 percent, while former Clemson transfer Kobe Pace has all the tools to be a difference-maker. Those two will operate behind an offensive line that returns three starters and is particularly strong on its left side.
Defense: Much like Stanford, any hopes of the Cavaliers climbing the ladder in the ACC hinges on improvement defensively. This unit was dead last in the league last fall in scoring defense, and they were particularly weak up front, both in getting after the quarterback and stopping the run.
The Cavaliers will benefit from having plenty of familiar faces back up front and will hope for improved health after dealing with injuries all of 2023. Senior end Chico Bennett Jr. is their top playmaker here, although Kam Butler and Ben Smily III bring ample experience to the table.
Sophomore Kam Robinson is a breakout candidate after a stellar freshman season, while senior James Jackson joins him to form quite a strong linebacker duo. Sophomore Caleb Hardy could also be ready for more, likely to play more a hybrid linebacker/safety role.
It was clear Virginia missed Fentrell Cypress a season ago, and there are still holes in the secondary. However, former Clemson transfer Malcolm Greene and sophomore Dre Walker could be ready to surprise at the corner spots. Greene appeared in 29 games for the Tigers throughout three seasons there, and brings a pedigree not many Cavaliers can boast.
Bottom Line: It's been a frustrating two seasons at the helm for Elliott at Virginia and he now enters the ever-crucial Year Three under pressure. There are reasons for optimism - the Cavaliers went 3-4 down the stretch a year ago, Colandrea could be the difference-maker they need at quarterback, and there are interesting transfer pieces dotting the roster. However, the schedule is a tricky one, with the Cavaliers battling through a rough road schedule and a perilous non-conference. There's likely to be progress here, but a bowl berth feels a bit too much to ask for at this point in the program's development.
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| Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina |
All-ACC Teams
First Team
QB Cam Ward, Miami
RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
RB Jaydn Ott, California
WR Kevin Concepcion, NC State
WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami
TE Orondo Gadsden, Syracuse
OL Blake Miller, Clemson
OL Darius Washington, Florida State
OL Maurice Smith, Florida State
OL Jalen Rivers, Miami
OL Logan Parr, SMU
DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
DL Peter Woods, Clemson
DL Patrick Payton, Florida State
LB Barrett Carter, Clemson
LB Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
LB Power Echols, North Carolina
CB Fentrell Cypress II, Florida State
CB Aydan White, NC State
S Shyheim Brown, Florida State
S Jaylen Stinson, Duke
Second Team
QB Thomas Castellanos, Boston College
RB Damien Martinez, Miami
RB Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech
WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
WR Caullin Lacy, Louisville
TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson
OL Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
OL Walker Parks, Clemson
OL Justin Osborne, SMU
OL Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami
DL Jasheen Davis, Wake Forest
DL Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
DL Elijah Roberts, SMU
DL Davin Vann, NC State
LB Marlowe Wax, Syracuse
LB Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina
LB Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech
CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
CB Daryl Porter Jr., Miami
S R.J. Mickens, Clemson
S Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Superlatives
Offensive Player of the Year: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Payton, DE, Florida State
Coach of the Year: Dave Doeren, NC State
Freshman of the Year: Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
Transfer of the Year: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
ACC Championship Game: Florida State over Clemson
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