Clemson Tigers: The Team to Beat

Clemson enters the 2025 season as the clear favorite in the ACC. With the highest returning production percentage in the country, the Tigers are poised to defend their title. Quarterback Cade Klubnik leads an offense that includes standout receivers Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore. The defense, anchored by stars like T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, is expected to improve under new coordinator Tom Allen. Clemson's path to the College Football Playoff seems almost certain, but questions remain about their ability to win multiple playoff games.

Miami Hurricanes: A Rising Contender

Miami is looking to build on a strong 2023 season, where they finished 10-3 and ranked 10th in SP+. With quarterback Carson Beck transferring from Georgia, the Hurricanes' offense is expected to be explosive. The defense, which struggled at times last season, has been bolstered by new coordinator Corey Hetherman and several key transfers. Miami's schedule is tough, but if they can navigate it successfully, they could challenge Clemson for the ACC crown.

SMU Mustangs: Defending Their Spot

SMU had a breakout season in 2024, finishing 11-3 and making the College Football Playoff. Head coach Rhett Lashlee has transformed the program into a legitimate contender. Quarterback Kevin Jennings returns to lead an offense that lost some key players but added talent through the transfer portal. The defense, led by corner Deuce Harmon and safety Isaiah Nwokobia, should remain strong. SMU's schedule is challenging, but they have proven they can compete with the best.

Louisville Cardinals: The Wild Card

Louisville is a team to watch in 2025. Head coach Jeff Brohm has built a program that thrives on change, and this season is no different. With a new quarterback in USC transfer Miller Moss and a dynamic running back duo in Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, the Cardinals' offense should be potent. The defense, which has trended downward in recent years, will need to improve for Louisville to make a run at the title.

Florida State Seminoles: Looking to Rebound

After a disastrous 2-10 season in 2024, Florida State is hoping for a rebound. New offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will try to revive an offense that was one of the worst in the country last year. The defense, which also struggled, will be led by new coordinator Tony White. If the Seminoles can find some stability, they could surprise some teams in the ACC.

Duke Blue Devils: Steady Improvement

Duke has been steadily improving under head coach Manny Diaz. With quarterback Darian Mensah transferring from Tulane, the Blue Devils' offense should be more dynamic. The defense, which has been solid in recent years, returns several key players. Duke may not be a title contender, but they should be a tough out for any team in the ACC.

NC State Wolfpack: Searching for Consistency

NC State is coming off a disappointing 6-7 season in 2024. The Wolfpack will need to find consistency on both sides of the ball to compete in the ACC. Quarterback CJ Bailey showed promise as a freshman, and the defense will be led by new coordinator D.J. Eliot. If NC State can avoid the mistakes that plagued them last season, they could be a sleeper in the conference.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Building Momentum

Georgia Tech had some memorable moments in 2024, including upset wins over Florida State and Miami. Head coach Brent Key has added talent through the transfer portal, and the Yellow Jackets' offense, led by quarterback Haynes King, should be explosive. The defense will need to improve for Georgia Tech to take the next step.

North Carolina Tar Heels: A New Era

North Carolina enters a new era under head coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels' roster is unproven, but Belichick's coaching acumen could lead to quick improvements. Quarterback Gio Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama, will lead the offense. The defense, which struggled last season, will need to find some stability under Belichick's leadership.

Virginia Tech Hokies: A Team in Transition

Virginia Tech is in transition under head coach Brent Pry. The Hokies' offense will be led by quarterback Kyron Drones, but the defense lost several key players. Pry has added talent through the transfer portal, but it may take some time for the Hokies to gel.

Pittsburgh Panthers: Looking to Rebound

Pittsburgh started strong in 2024 but faltered down the stretch. The Panthers' offense, led by quarterback Eli Holstein, should be explosive. The defense, which was aggressive but inconsistent last season, will need to improve for Pittsburgh to compete in the ACC.

California Golden Bears: Hoping for Improvement

California had a memorable but ultimately disappointing 2024 season. The Golden Bears' offense, led by quarterback Devin Brown, should be more dynamic in 2025. The defense, which was solid last season, returns several key players. If California can win some close games, they could improve on last year's 6-7 record.

Boston College Eagles: Searching for Consistency

Boston College is coming off a 7-6 season in 2024. The Eagles' offense, led by quarterback Grayson James, should be more consistent in 2025. The defense, which was solid last season, will need to improve for Boston College to compete in the ACC.

Syracuse Orange: A Team in Transition

Syracuse is in transition under head coach Fran Brown. The Orange's offense will be led by a new quarterback, either Steve Angeli or Rickie Collins. The defense, which was solid last season, returns several key players. Syracuse may not be a title contender, but they should be a tough out for any team in the ACC.

Virginia Cavaliers: Hoping for Improvement

Virginia is hoping to build on a 5-7 season in 2024. The Cavaliers' offense, led by quarterback Chandler Morris, should be more dynamic in 2025. The defense, which was solid against the run last season, will need to improve for Virginia to compete in the ACC.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: A New Era

Wake Forest enters a new era under head coach Jake Dickert. The Demon Deacons' roster is unproven, but Dickert's coaching acumen could lead to quick improvements. Quarterback Deshawn Purdie or Robby Ashford will lead the offense. The defense, which struggled last season, will need to find some stability under Dickert's leadership.

Stanford Cardinal: Looking to Rebuild

Stanford is looking to rebuild under interim head coach Frank Reich. The Cardinal's roster is unproven, but Reich's coaching experience could lead to quick improvements. Quarterback Ben Gulbranson or Dylan Rizk will lead the offense. The defense, which has been horrible in recent years, will need to find some stability under Reich's leadership.