With the season on the horizon, let's rank and preview the ACC's 17-team race in 2025-26. 1. Clemson (10-4, 7-1 ACC in 2024-25) Last Seen: Losing 38-24 at No. 5

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney 2024 Record: 10–4 (7–1 ACC Champions) Bowl/Playoff Appearance: College Football Playoff (First Round) Offense SP+ Rank (2024): 18th Returning Starters (Offense): 9 Defense SP+ Rank (2024): 28th Returning Starters (Defense): 8

Last week, we began our preseason ACC power rankings, hitting on the projected top four squads in the conference. We pick up on the series with the middle of the pack. 5. Duke: Will the momentum continue to build for Manny Diaz and the Blue Devils after a nine win campaign in ‘24?

Clemson tops the Week 0 USA Today ACC football power rankings, but what about Miami, Florida State and Bill Belichick's North Carolina?

With further realignment on the horizon and a few changes this fall, Athlon Sports ranks the nine FBS conferences ahead of the 2025 college football season.

The Tigers look like their previous dominant self with a returning QB, Cade Klubnik, who could be a Heisman finalist.

The Hurricanes were a win away from qualifying for the ACC Championship Game last season but fell short when they sustained a stunning defeat at Syracuse in the finale. In order to reach their high potential as a playoff-caliber squad, they have to avoid that kind of letdown in 2025 and prove themselves as one of the top two teams in the league.

The ACC announced its full 2024 schedule Wednesday, featuring new members Cal, Stanford and SMU as part of the expanded 17-team football league.

Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik, junior wide receiver Antonio Williams, and sophomore wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. cracked the offensive team while junior cornerback Avieon Terrell and Clemson’s two-headed monster on the defensive line – Peter Woods and T.J. Parker – headlined the defense.