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| Cade Klubnik, Clemson |
Power Rankings
1. Clemson Tigers
A 31-point loss at the hands of Georgia to kick off the 2024 college football season seemed to spell doom for Clemson's hopes, but the Tigers found a way to reverse their fortunes over the course of the fall. There were still some frustrating moments, including a loss to Louisville and a heartbreaking defeat to South Carolina, but Clemson still found a way to outlast SMU to win an ACC Title - and gain entry to the first 12-team Playoff.
As the Tigers gear up for 2025, their offense could be among the most exciting not just in the ACC, but anywhere in the country. Garrett Riley is now in his third season as Clemson play-caller, has a veteran quarterback at the controls in Cade Klubnik, and has one of the best receiver corps anywhere in the nation. Sophomores Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore seem on track to be the latest and greatest at wide out, and veteran Antonio Williams is a proven commodity, giving Klubnik an abundance of options through the air.
The offensive line returns four starters, including likely NFL Draftees Tristan Leigh and Blake Miller at the tackle spots. That should help the ground game figure things out early, as they replace Phil Mafah. Converted receiver Adam Randall is likely to get the first crack at tailback, but highly touted freshman Gideon Davidson could shine early with Jay Haynes recovering from a torn ACL.
On defense, Dabo Swinney went out and made a statement by bringing in Tom Allen from Penn State to run this unit. Allen will have the usual collection of future NFL talent to work with, especially across the front seven. T.J. Parker and Peter Woods are already established on the defensive line, and they're now joined by the rare transfer, Purdue's Will Heldt, who had 10 tackles for loss in West Lafayette in 2024.
The secondary remains a work-in progress for Allen and staff, but junior corner Avieon Terrell gives them a rising star with leadership pedigree. Along with Khalil Barnes, who is back for his third season as starter at free safety, the Tigers should be able to figure things out on the back-end.
Bottom Line: There's no question Clemson has slipped from their peak in the mid-to-late 2010s, but all the stars align for the Tigers to have a resurgent 2025 campaign. Klubnik should be a Heisman contender, they are strong along both lines of scrimmage, and they have the playmakers offensively that have been sorely lacking in recent years. Combine that with an ACC that still appears to be missing a consistent second threat, Clemson is the favorite in the league and a true National Title contender.
2. SMU Mustangs
SMU hit the ground running in their debut season in the ACC last year, winning 11 games and giving Clemson all they could handle in the conference championship game before coming up just short. As they look ahead to 2025, the goal for Rhett Lashlee and company is to prove it was no fluke, but the new reality in Dallas.
Kevin Jennings established himself as the starter midseason last fall and finished with over 3,000 yards and 23 passing touchdowns. There's no question he's the guy now for the Mustangs, and he has weapons to work with. Senior receivers Jordan Hudson and Romello Brinson are big-play threats, and steady tight end R.J. Maryland should do damage underneath, assuming he's able to recover from a torn ACL that cost him the second half of 2024.
Jennings may have to do more this fall with the ground game breaking in some new faces, and the offensive line also has some holes. However, the trio of Savion Byrd, Logan Parr, and P.J. Williams is a legit power-conference line up front, a testament to the work Lashlee and staff have done to build up this unit for this new era of Mustang football.
SMU's defense was statistically good in 2024, but there has to be a level of motivation here after the way they were shelled down the stretch by both Clemson and Penn State. Coordinator Scott Symons has done a very effective job with this group, but there are notable losses up front.
Junior linebacker Alex Kilgore and senior defensive backs Deuce Harmon and Isaiah Nwokobia are familiar faces who give this team a strong core to work with. They'll be helped by a wave of new additions from the transfer portal at all three levels. In particular, guys like interior D-Linemen Jeffrey M'Ba will be crucial, bringing some real edge and physicality to a team that has lacked it at times in the past.
Bottom Line: I don't see a major drop-off incoming for SMU. The schedule is not an easy one, but it is manageable across the board, and there are questions on just about every other contender in this conference. With a proven quarterback and loads of talent on both sides of the ball, a return to the College Football Playoff is not completely out of the question.
3. Miami Hurricanes
For the first two months of last fall, no team in the ACC was playing at the level of the Miami Hurricanes. Mario Cristobal's club got off a to a 9-0 start, barely skating by with close win after close win, but building a strong enough resume to assume they were a shoe-in for the expanded Playoff.
And then, the final month happened. The Hurricanes were shocked by Georgia Tech and then fell apart on the road against Syracuse, costing them a shot at an ACC Title and a Playoff berth. It felt like the team had lost focus by the team they came up on the wrong end of a close game this time around in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State.
For Cristobal, that late-season collapse has him under pressure entering 2025 - and it doesn't help that Cam Ward went out and became the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL Draft this past spring. However, Cristobal is hoping Carson Beck can come in from Georgia and be a difference-maker after a suspiciously poor showing with the Bulldogs in 2024. If he can regain his 2023 form, it's not hyperbolic to think he may clear Klubnik as the best in the league.
Beck will have to make do with a lot of new faces around him on offense, particularly with an unproven receiver corps. Can a name like a Ray Ray Joseph emerge as a go-to option after an impressive spring? Early on, the 'Canes will likely lean on back Mark Fletcher running behind a powerful offensive line that could be among the best in the nation.
After parting ways with Lance Guidry over the offseason, Miami hired on Corey Hetherman from Minnesota, paying him big money to revive a group that struggled mightily down the stretch in 2024. Hetherman has some nice pieces to work with, but it will be about getting this unit to come together in an effective way.
Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and tackle Akheem Mesidor are a superb combo up front, and veteran Wesley Bissainthe has proven his worth as the team's top returning tackler. Add in rising star O.J. Frederique at corner, who the program is extremely high on, and the Hurricanes have enough talent to compete with the best the ACC has to offer.
With that being said, there are still some question marks. Beyond Frederique, the secondary faces significant personnel turnover, and will rely on transfers. If those guys can gel quickly, it could still be a strong group, but it doesn't come without risk.
Bottom Line: An alum from the glory years, Cristobal has gotten back to national relevance, but hasn't returned the program quite to their goal of competing for National Titles. The 2025 version has potential to be good, but will also be relying on a bunch of new faces and a quarterback looking to answer questions after his 2024. As usual, the ceiling on this team is incredibly high, but so is the floor, which means it could be another volatile season in Coral Gables.
4. Louisville Cardinals
Jeff Brohm has returned to his alma mater and produced two solid seasons with the Cardinals, including a 9-4 mark in 2024. Yet, there has to be a feeling around the program that they could have done even more last season, as their four losses were by a combined 24 points. If they win even one or two of those games, they may have secured a Playoff berth.
Brohm and staff have responded by working the portal and strategically filling the remaining holes on this roster. With quarterback Tyler Shough now a New Orleans Saint after a long and winding college career, USC transfer Miller Moss is set to be handed the offense. Things were frustrating for Moss down the stretch with the Trojans, but he can be quite the weapon when he's on his "A" game.
Sophomore back Isaac Brown will flank Moss, and gives Louisville one of the sport's rising stars, after he tallied 1,173 yards and 11 scores as a freshman last fall. The offensive line in front of him took some hits over the offseason, as did the receiver corps, but the trio of Moss, Brown, and senior wide out Chris Bell puts Louisville in a good spot with a coach like Brohm running the show.
The defense was okay for much of 2024, but their struggles against the pass (100th nationally) cost them in several important contests. It's not super encouraging, with that in mind, that the Cardinals may trot out nearly an entirely new defensive backfield this season.
The good news is that Louisville has a chance to be nasty up front, with an experienced linebacker corps and rock-solid defensive line. The duo of T.J. Quinn and Stanquan Clark at linebacker will ensure the Cardinals don't see any major slippage in their rush defense.
Bottom Line: If you want a dark horse team that could win an ACC Title, Louisville is a great pick. They don't have the star power of a Clemson or Miami, but Brohm has done a fine job assembling talent on this roster, and their schedule sets up nicely to secure double-digit victories. If they can do a better job of closing out games, the sky is the limit in 2025.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Despite getting bit by the injury bug last fall, Georgia Tech managed to win seven games - all the more impressive when you consider they came up just short against arch-rival Georgia in an eight overtime thriller, and then Vanderbilt in the Birmingham Bowl. The program feels like its trending upwards under head coach Brent Key, and they return a lot of key pieces to the 2025 team.
Veteran quarterback Haynes King and steady tailback Jamal Haynes give the Yellow Jackets a pair of proven weapons in the backfield. King has struggled with injuries throughout his college career, but is a true difference-maker when healthy, as evidenced by his 25 total touchdowns a year ago. Haynes is as consistent as they come, but must also get to 100 percent this season if Georgia Tech is to reach their ceiling.
On the perimeter, Georgia Tech watched Eric Singleton Jr. walk to Auburn, but got quite the consolation prize by adding Eric Rivers from Florida International. Between him and Malik Rutherford, who led the team in receiving in 2024, the Yellow Jackets should be able to test teams vertically all season long.
The defense was solid across the board in 2024, especially against the run, and they return the majority of this front seven. Junior linebacker Kyle Efford is the headliner, a throwback defender who sets the tone for this entire unit. Alongside him up front is powerful interior tackle Jordan van den Berg and Mercer transfer Brayden Manley, who could come on and become the team's best pure pass rusher.
The secondary has some turnover, but there is still experience throughout the unit. Safeties Clayton Powell-Lee and Omar Daniels have both played a lot of football in their college careers, and provide this team a proven foundation.
Bottom Line: I'm irrationally high on Georgia Tech heading into this fall. Key was the right hire for the program, an alum who understands the unique challenges they're up against - and how to overcome them. The schedule isn't exactly easy when you consider they go on the road to Colorado and play the annual Georgia game in the non-conference but with the production returning, the Yellow Jackets have a great opportunity to build on a promising 2024.
6. Florida State Seminoles
Nearly everyone expected a step-back from Florida State in 2024 after being snubbed from the College Football Playoff at a perfect 13-0 the year prior. But what we witnessed last fall was one of the most shocking single-season collapses in the sport's history, as the Seminoles fell to 2-10 and just 1-7 in the ACC. In fact, that one ACC win, an ugly 14-9 victory over Cal, was their lone FBS win of the season, with their only other success coming against Charleston Southern.
Needless to say, Mike Norvell made sweeping changes over the offseason. He brings in Gus Malzahn to run his offense after this group managed just 15.4 points per game last fall, 130th in the country. Malzahn will work with a new quarterback, as Thomas Castellanos comes over from Boston College. It feels like a situation that is either going to be a perfect fit or a complete disaster, with little in-between. Castellanos has talent and seems like the type to acclimate quickly to Malzahn's scheme, but he's one of the most volatile and inconsistent quarterbacks anywhere in the country.
Castellanos is surrounded by former transfers, with Gavin Sawchuk (Oklahoma) and former Alabama transplant Roydell Williams set to battle it out at tailback. Out wide, the Seminoles are excited about Squirrel White (Tennessee) and Duce Robinson (USC), but neither have proven to be true No. 1 options yet in their college careers.
There's a bunch of new faces across the offensive line, as well, with up to four transfers likely to start the season. Tackles Gunnar Hansen and Micah Pettus come from SEC country and look up to the task, but how quickly this group gels could determine what FSU will do in 2025.
On defense there's also a new coordinator, as Tony White was given a hefty contract to leave Nebraska and come to Tallahassee. There's rebuilding to do on this side of the ball, but the Seminoles seem to be more talented here.
The secondary could end up being very good, with proven names like K.J. Kirkland and Shyheim Brown joined by rising youngsters in Charles Lester III and Quindarrius Jones. However, Florida State will need to figure out their defensive front if they want to be a real threat again inside the ACC, particularly when you consider some of the offensive lines they'll play in this league.
Bottom Line: There's no sugarcoating it - this team quit on Norvell last fall. So in that sense, it shouldn't be a surprise that he completely flipped the roster and will essentially start anew in many ways this fall. There's certainly talent here and it almost can't get worse than last year, but there's still so many questions. A return to conference title contention seems like a lofty goal, but this team should be in the hunt to make a bowl and perhaps win at least 7-8 games.
7. Duke Blue Devils
Manny Diaz had big shoes to fill when he took over in Durham following Mike Elko's departure to Texas A&M. However, instead of a struggling debut campaign, Diaz and the Blue Devils went out and won nine games, including a 5-3 mark inside the ACC. As they prepare for 2025, expectations are raised, and Diaz is out to prove he can build on it.
Duke essentially swapped out incumbent starter Maalik Murphy for Tulane's Darian Mensah, which may end up being an upgrade. Murphy was solid last fall, but Mensah looks like a future star and has a bright future as a sophomore. He is blessed with pieces to work with, as the ultra-reliable senior Sahmir Hagans leads this receiver corps.
The ground game managed just 92.5 yards per game in 2024, but both Jaquez Moore and Peyton Jones return, and they'll be operating behind an offensive line that brings back four starters. The Blue Devils could be far more physical this year than they've been in the past.
At the end of the day, the specialty for Diaz will always be on the defensive side of the ball. He has a nice foundation to work with in 2024, fresh off a season in which the Blue Devils got after opposing quarterbacks, leading the ACC in sacks with 43.
Defensive ends Wesley Williams and Vincent Anthony Jr. are both back and should continue to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, while Tre Freeman provides the team with a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker in the middle. Add in defensive backs Chandler Rivers and Terry Moore, Duke should be very good on this side of the ball, and likely boast several All-ACC players.
Bottom Line: Duke will always be a basketball school, but they've shown a real commitment to their football program in recent years - and it's resulted in success on the field. Paying up to bring on Mensah was quite the statement from the program, and shows they're ready to be a real threat inside the ACC. With so much back, they could win double-digit games in 2025.
8. Pittsburgh Panthers
Give credit to head coach Pat Narduzzi. After ten years at the helm in Pittsburgh, he recognized a need to modernize his offense (and likely got a friendly push from the administration) and brought on Kade Bell from Western Carolina to do so. Bell did a fine job with this Panther offense, as they finished 31st nationally in scoring offense after being one of the worst in power conference ball the year prior.
Bell has a lot returning as he looks to keep the momentum going, including quarterback Eli Holstein, tailback Desmond Reid, and several starters along the O-Line. Holstein, a former Alabama transfer, has attracted the eye of NFL folks with his size and skill-set, but he must get to 100 percent after missing time down the stretch last fall. Reid was a beneficiary of the more wide-open Pitt offense in 2024, and could be one of the best in the ACC this year.
The pass catchers don't have just one standout, but veterans Poppi Williams Jr., Censare Lee, and Kenny Johnson give Bell more than enough to work with. However, they will need to find a new tight end after Gavin Bartholomew exhausted his eligibility and went pro over the offseason.
As encouraging as it was to see Pitt's success on the offensive end, the flip side was that the defense took a step back. Narduzzi and longtime coordinator Randy Bates have proven they can get it done on this side of the ball, and there's enough back to be encouraged.
The Panthers have just about every key piece back on the defensive line, plus a healthy Blaine Spires after the Utah State transfer missed most of last fall. With All-American Kyle Louis behind that veteran defensive line at linebacker, Pittsburgh should be in a good place up front.
The pass defense was the Achilles Heel a season ago, but there's reason to be encouraged here, too. Corner Rashad Battle should lead the cornerback room, while senior Javon McIntyre gives this entire unit an edge as a physical, hard-hitting safety.
Bottom Line: With the exception of a shockingly bad 3-9 mark in 2023, the Panthers have been remarkably consistent under Narduzzi. While they are rarely competing for conference titles, you can typically count on this team to at least be in the hunt, and typically hang around the 8-9 mark. That feels right for this team again in 2025, with the potential for even more depending on how the dominoes fall inside the league.
9. NC State Wolfpack
Injuries derailed what could have been a promising season in Raleigh last fall, as the Wolfpack barely snuck into a bowl game before being dispatched by in-state foe East Carolina. However, the injuries did provide the young talent on this roster an opportunity - including quarterback C.J. Bailey.
Bailey started nine games for the Wolfpack and looked up to the task as a true freshman, showcasing an impressive arm and true dual-threat abilities. Even greater things could be in store in 2025 as he brings back several of his top targets, namely tight end Justin Joly and former Ohio State transfer Noah Rogers at receiver.
Bailey will be joined by tailback Hollywood Smothers, who also impressed as a freshman, totaling nearly 600 yards and six rushing touchdowns. A slight step-back in the ground game could still be expected as NC State reshuffles up front, although the returns of veterans Jacarrius Peak and Anthony Carter Jr. provide a great foundation.
The NC State defense is in for a transition season after longtime coordinator Tony Gibson left to become head coach at Marshall. In his place, head coach Dave Doeren went out and brought in D.J. Eliot, who has been all over the country and spent time in the NFL. Doeren and Eliot must replace a lot on the back-end, but the front seven should be a strength, as Brandon Cleveland and Travali Price are proven pieces on the D-Line.
Considering the pass defense was already among the worst in the ACC, losing so much in the secondary could be seen as either a negative or positive, depending on what the new pieces are able to do. Big things are expected of this transfer portal class, including Georgia State's J.J. Johnson and Missouri's Jaren Sensabaugh, who the Wolfpack missed on out of high school but landed out of SEC country through the portal.
Bottom Line: Much like Pittsburgh, you kind of know what you're getting out of NC State year-in, year out. While last season was a disappointment at 6-7, this has generally been a program that goes out and wins 7-8 games and likely pulls off an upset or two. This team has some question marks, but if Bailey can continue his development and Eliot works some magic on the defense, that range feels just about right once more for the Wolfpack.
Teams 10-17 coming in Part 2
All-ACC Teams
First Team
QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
RB Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
RB Isaac Brown, Louisville
WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
WR T.J. Moore, Clemson
TE Justin Joly, NC State
OL Blake Miller, Clemson
OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami
OL James Brockermeyer, Miami
OL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
OL P.J. Williams, SMU
DL T.J. Parker, Clemson
DL Peter Woods, Clemson
DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
LB Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech
LB Sammy Brown, Clemson
CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson
CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
S Terry Moore, Duke
S K.J. Kirkland, Florida State
Second Team
QB Carson Beck, Miami
RB Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech
RB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
WR Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson
WR Malik Rutherford, Georgia Tech
TE R.J. Maryland, SMU
OL Brian Parker, Duke
OL Walker Parks, Clemson
OL Zach Rice, Syracuse
OL Micah Pettus, Florida State
OL Tristan Leigh, Clemson
DL Will Heldt, Clemson
DL Akheem Mesidor, Miami
DL Nick James, Pittsburgh
DL Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
LB Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh
LB T.J. Quinn, Louisville
LB Wade Woodaz, Clemson
CB O.J. Frederique, Miami
CB Dante Lovett, Virginia Tech
S Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU
S Nick Andersen, Wake Forest
The Five Most Important Games
1. Clemson vs. LSU (August 30) -- Is Clemson ready to contend for National Titles again? The season opener against LSU will tell us a lot about both teams, but Clemson is eager to prove themselves after being blown out by an SEC foe to begin the year last fall. No matter who wins, the QB matchup between Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier should provide plenty of reason to tune in.
2. SMU @ Clemson (October 18) -- A rematch of last year's ACC Championship Game, this one should have important implications inside the league once again in 2025. The Mustangs gave the Tigers all they could handle last season, and should be out for vengeance as they go on the road here.
3. Notre Dame @ Miami (August 31) -- This rivalry game seems to always have high stakes, and it's particularly interesting this year considering it will be the start of the season for both teams. Miami will be breaking in a new quarterback, Carson Beck, and a whole bunch of new faces on both sides of the ball, while the Irish are out to prove their run to the National Championship Game this past January was no fluke.
4. Clemson @ South Carolina (November 29) -- Another game that is always a good one, this is a rivalry that will be taken up a notch in 2025. South Carolina came away with a thrilling win last fall and the architect of that win, LaNorris Sellers, is back. With both teams angling for a College Football Playoff berth, this could serve as a play-in game.
5. Florida @ Miami (September 20) -- The two in-state rivals collide again this fall after Cam Ward and the Hurricanes pounded Florida in "The Swamp" last fall. Ward is gone, but being in Coral Gables for this one should be crucial for a Miami team looking for a key win here before a difficult October stretch.
Superlatives
Offensive Player of the Year: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
Coach of the Year: Brent Key, Georgia Tech
Freshman of the Year: Kevin Wynn, DL, Florida State
Transfer of the Year: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
ACC Championship Game: Clemson over Miami
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