2025 ACC soccer preview – Power rankings, key gamers, must-see video games

As has been the case for the higher a part of the previous decade, the highway to an ACC championship in 2025 in all chance will undergo Clemson.

Dabo Swinney’s crew returns as a lot manufacturing as any crew within the nation, and the Tigers had been ok to win the ACC title and make the 12-team College Football Playoff.

But there will probably be loads of competitors — and intrigue. Miami has one other gifted squad and is led by Georgia switch Carson Beck. SMU was a playoff crew final season and returns quarterback Kevin Jennings, Louisville has what needs to be a dynamic offense and Brent Key’s Georgia Tech crew may very well be prepared to interrupt out.

And although it is exhausting to say what is going to transpire at North Carolina, all eyes will probably be on Bill Belichick in his first yr as a university coach.

We get you caught up on the ACC by breaking down the convention’s CFP outlook, energy rankings, must-see video games, high freshmen, key transfers and numbers to know.

CFP outlook

Should be in: Clemson. There is quite a lot of hype across the Tigers this season, and rightfully so. They return expertise, expertise and future NFL picks, together with quarterback Cade Klubnik, receivers Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr., and imposing defensive linemen Peter Woods and T.J. Parker. Eleven Clemson gamers made the preseason All-ACC crew, and Klubnik was voted the preseason ACC participant of the yr.

At ACC Kickoff, coach Dabo Swinney mentioned this crew had an analogous look to those that had beforehand competed for nationwide titles at Clemson. But he additionally mentioned shedding within the first spherical to the CFP final season served to impress the crew within the offseason. After making six straight CFP appearances within the early days of the playoff, Clemson missed out three years in a row, resulting in questions on not solely Swinney however the state of this system. Making the playoff final season — when it appeared all hope was misplaced after a regular-season finale loss to South Carolina — gave this group of Tigers a style of what it is prefer to compete within the CFP. Now they wish to win all of it.

In the operating: Miami, Louisville, SMU, Georgia Tech. Clemson enters the season because the overwhelming favourite to win the ACC, however there’s a group simply behind the Tigers that may have each alternative to compete for a playoff spot. Just like final season, Miami is in that blend, with Carson Beck now main the way in which at quarterback. Coach Mario Cristobal says he believes the modifications the Hurricanes made throughout the board on protection (a brand new coordinator plus an overhaul by means of the portal) fastened the problems that value them a CFP spot a season in the past. Miami must also have one of the best offensive line within the convention. Early-season exams towards Notre Dame and Florida will present some solutions.

SMU made the playoff a yr in the past and returns quarterback Kevin Jennings, although the schedule diploma of issue will increase. Louisville not solely has USC switch Miller Moss at quarterback, however one of the best 1-2 operating again mixture within the league with Isaac Brown and Duke Watson. Georgia Tech confirmed flashes a yr in the past. This may very well be the season the Jackets put all of it along with Haynes King returning below middle.

Long pictures: Duke, North Carolina. Hear us out for a minute. Duke returns All-America caliber gamers to its protection, a significantly better offensive line and has what it believes to be a recreation changer at quarterback in Darian Mensah. Why not Duke? This is a program that has made huge strides over the previous three seasons, first below Mike Elko and final season below Manny Diaz. Both he and his defensive gamers are assured in taking one other step with one other yr in his aggressive system, however the offense is the place this crew ought to make the most important strides due to Mensah.

As for North Carolina, sure, there may be an unbelievable quantity we have no idea concerning the Tar Heels. On paper, given all of the questions throughout the board, it feels a bit of inconceivable to assume this crew could make the CFP — notably as a result of UNC has traditionally underperformed. But it is a Bill Belichick-coached crew and, nicely, if Indiana coach Curt Cignetti can do it in Year 1, why not Belichick? The schedule units up fantastically, with solely three journeys outdoors the state all season. Five opponents didn’t make a bowl final season. Just sayin’ … that is the lengthy shot class, in any case. — Andrea Adelson

Must-see video games

From Bill Connelly’s ACC convention preview

Here are the 4 convention video games that function (A) the very best mixed SP+ rankings for each groups and (B) a projected scoring margin below 10 factors, plus a mammoth Week 1 nonconference recreation.

LSU at Clemson (Aug. 30). There are a few different big ACC nonconference video games — Notre Dame at Miami in Week 1 and Clemson-South Carolina on the finish — however I really like this recreation exhibiting up in Week 1 as a result of there aren’t many groups I’ve extra questions on than LSU and Clemson. Let’s get a bunch of these questions answered straight away.

Miami at Florida State (Oct. 4). At this level, Miami can have already hosted Notre Dame and Florida in nonconference play. But the Canes’ ACC opener in Tallahassee will inform us a ton about each groups.

Louisville at Miami (Oct. 17). One of the larger Friday night time video games of the season. Louisville hosts Clemson in November, however the Cardinals’ ACC title hopes may require them to win both this one or at SMU in late November.

Miami at SMU (Nov. 1). Miami has three video games on this checklist inside a month of each other. Because Clemson’s projections are so favorable, Miami could be crucial crew within the title race — if the Canes do not make it to Charlotte for the convention title recreation, they’ll have an enormous position to play through which crew does.

Clemson at Louisville (Nov. 14). This is Clemson’s tightest projected convention recreation. The Tigers have to go to Louisville a yr after the Cardinals smothered them 33-21 in Death Valley East. — Bill Connelly

Three freshmen to observe

Gideon Davidson, RB, Clemson

The reigning Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year, Davidson was the No. 3 operating again within the 2025 class. He instantly backed up the accolades by impressing gamers and coaches alike throughout spring practices at Clemson; coach Dabo Swinney referred to as him “a natural” who performs past his age. Davidson’s imaginative and prescient, explosiveness and skill to chop in tight home windows are paying homage to former Clemson operating again Travis Etienne. The 6-foot, 200-pounder has the bodily maturity and operating type to make a direct influence, which is required as operating again is without doubt one of the few inexperienced areas for a crew with reputable nationwide title aspirations.

Demetres Samuel Jr., DB/WR, Syracuse

Samuel is a dynamic athlete and has reputable two-way potential. Sound acquainted? Though it is unwise to place Travis Hunter comparisons on any participant, Samuel confirmed sufficient in spring ball for Orange coach Fran Brown to say he’ll be within the combine for a spot as a beginning nook this fall, and he’ll additionally get an opportunity at receiver. Samuel is younger — he simply turned 17 in April — and reclassified down from the 2026 class. He initially projected as a security and is not afraid to return downhill to make tackles within the field. He additionally has the flexibility and short-burst velocity to shut house in zone protection and match up man-to-man on the surface. His 10.52 100-meter sprint velocity interprets to receiver as nicely. Expect him to make an influence this fall, particularly in a reasonably inexperienced defensive backs room.

S.J. Alofaituli, OC/OG, Miami

Miami has a gifted offensive line room with tons of expertise alongside the inside, nevertheless it may very well be robust to maintain Alofaituli off the sector. He’s an ultra-physical, aggressive participant who makes up for a scarcity of elite measurables (6-foot-2, 280 kilos) with a nasty ending streak that is similar to present Miami All-American Francis Mauigoa. And like Mauigoa, an IMG Academy graduate, Alofaituli has tons of expertise towards premium competitors as a four-year starter for Bishop Gorman, the Las Vegas powerhouse. He has fast ft, highly effective palms and craves attending to the second stage to punish linebackers. Expect Alofaituli’s capacity and willingness to play both middle or guard to assist him push for early enjoying time. — Billy Tucker

Three high transfers

These alternatives are based mostly on Max Olson’s rating of the highest 100 transfers from the 2024-25 switch cycle.

Transferring from: Georgia | Top 100 rank: 2

HT: 6-4 | WT: 220 | Class: Redshirt senior

Background: Beck was a shock entry into the portal, reversing course and placing his title within the portal after asserting on Dec. 28 that he’d enter the NFL draft. The season-ending elbow harm Beck suffered throughout Georgia’s SEC championship victory over Texas is one key purpose he’ll attempt to play yet another school season to get again to first-round decide standing. The elbow harm can be the lone purpose Beck wasn’t the No. 1 participant in our switch rankings. Beck was restricted throughout spring follow, however the expertise he brings as a two-year starter is difficult to match. Beck went 24-3 as Georgia’s starter and put up 8,157 whole yards and 63 whole TDs throughout his time in Athens. He’ll convey big-game expertise — with 9 wins over top-25 opponents — a ton of arm expertise and toughness. — Max Olson

Scout’s take: When Beck is wholesome with a gentle run recreation behind him, he is one of many purest, smoothest passers in school soccer. He’s an distinctive ball handler who has the power to not solely drive the soccer into tight spots at intermediate and deep ranges of the sector but additionally layer it and alter ball speeds. His decision-making took a step again throughout his last season at Georgia, and he took too many dangers. — Tom Luginbill

What he brings to Miami: Cam Ward was a complete recreation changer for Miami’s program throughout his lone season as QB1, turning the Hurricanes right into a reputable ACC and College Football Playoff contender on his option to changing into the No. 1 decide within the NFL draft. Beck is chasing all of those self same objectives in 2025, so this match makes an excessive amount of sense. He hasn’t had an opportunity to play in a playoff recreation but, and neither has Miami. Beck’s arrival means one other yr of extraordinarily excessive expectations for coach Mario Cristobal and his squad. — Olson

Transferring from: Tulane | Top 100 rank: 3

HT: 6-3 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt freshman

Background: Mensah was a very under-the-radar two-star recruit out of San Luis Obispo, California, when the Green Wave discovered him and prolonged his first scholarship supply. He was their scout crew QB in 2023 and was anticipated to be their third-string choice final season. But the redshirt freshman earned the beginning job and proved he is probably the greatest younger QBs within the nation. Mensah threw for two,723 yards with 23 whole touchdowns and 6 interceptions throughout his first season as a starter, main Tulane to a nine-win season and a visit to the American Athletic title recreation in coach Jon Sumrall’s debut season. His 76.5 QBR ranked third amongst G5 starters and nineteenth within the FBS, and he led all AAC starters in yards per try (9.5) and completion share (66%). Opposing coaches see elite arm expertise and thrilling upside. Tulane fought exhausting to maintain Mensah, however he had a number of Power 4 contenders battling for his providers. — Olson

Scout’s take: Mensah reminds us of former Cincinnati passer Desmond Ridder. Mensah is poised, composed and very correct. He has good — not elite — arm energy, and his ball placement and skill to alter speeds to go well with the throw are spectacular. He’s additionally a superb runner. — Luginbill

What he brings to Duke: The Blue Devils went 9-3 in coach Manny Diaz’s debut season with Texas switch Maalik Murphy at quarterback. Moving on from Murphy and going all-in on Mensah makes a reasonably critical assertion about Diaz’s ambitions to contend within the ACC in 2025. Mensah informed ESPN he was drawn to Duke’s tutorial status and the expertise already in place to win huge subsequent season. Mensah in all probability may’ve gone nearly anyplace however most popular a fast recruitment and dedicated on his first go to. He’s trusting that Diaz and OC Jonathan Brewer can take his recreation to the subsequent stage. — Olson

Transferring from: USC | Top 100 rank: 26

HT: 6-6½ | WT: 220 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Robinson was one of the athletically gifted prospects within the class of 2023, a two-sport standout as a good finish/receiver and outfielder who ranked fortieth within the ESPN 300. He signed with the Trojans to play each sports activities and has had two productive seasons on the soccer discipline with a mixed 39 receptions for 747 yards and 7 touchdowns. After ending sixth on the crew in targets in 2024, he is in search of a chance for a extra important position going ahead. — Olson

Scout’s take: Robinson is a huge goal out extensive with 6-foot-6½ peak, an 82-inch wingspan and 10-inch palms. He’s a easy mover with pure ball expertise who’s able to hauling in poorly thrown passes. Robinson developed as a pink zone menace in 2024, an space the place he ought to proceed to excel. He’s not overly sudden and solely possesses enough top-end velocity for the receiver place, as many, felt his brightest future may need been at tight finish popping out of highschool. — Tucker

What he brings to Florida State: Dominic Robinson performed receiver for Florida State in 2001-04, and now his son is following in his footsteps to complete out his school profession. It’s simple to see the match right here given how profitable 6-foot-6 wideout Johnny Wilson was below Mike Norvell with the Seminoles. Robinson is the type of difference-maker at receiver the Seminoles sorely lacked in 2024. — Olson

Numbers to know

3: There are three new coaches within the ACC in 2025: Bill Belichick (North Carolina), Frank Reich (interim at Stanford) and Jake Dickert (Wake Forest). Last season, the ACC’s three new head coaches (Fran Brown at Syracuse, Manny Diaz at Duke, Bill O’Brien at Boston College) all had no less than seven wins.

6%: According to the Allstate Playoff Predictor, there is a 6% likelihood for a crew from the ACC to win the nationwide championship. There’s a 52% likelihood two or extra ACC groups qualify for the CFP and an 11% likelihood the convention has three or extra playoff groups.

+110: Clemson is the betting favourite to win the ACC, per ESPN BET, at +110. That is the shortest preseason odds for any ACC crew to win the convention championship since Clemson was a -140 favourite in 2022.

Power rankings

1. Clemson

After 5 years through which Clemson floated above the “good” line however clearly under “great,” this season’s crew appears to verify practically each field. The Tigers are loaded with top-tier expertise and something lower than a deep playoff run would really feel like a disappointment.

2. Miami

Last season felt as if it was Miami’s shot on the huge time. Cam Ward was electrical, and the crew was gifted. Ultimately, defensive shortcomings thwarted the Canes’ playoff hopes. This season’s squad might be higher in additional locations than its worse, however there’s an actual query about whether or not Carson Beck can ignite the identical hearth Ward did.

3. Georgia Tech

What Brent Key has executed to get Georgia Tech again to relevance is spectacular, and his crew actually mirrors his character: hard-nosed, robust and never intimidated by anybody. Georgia Tech has six wins over ranked foes below Key, and that does not embody an eight-OT loss to Georgia final season. Tech is prepared for the large time.

4. Louisville

Miller Moss is Jeff Brohm’s newest QB mission, and Louisville has surrounded Moss with some distinctive ability expertise, together with maybe one of the best operating again tandem within the nation. The questions are on protection, the place Brohm has taken a extra hands-on position in getting that unit prepared for this season.

5. SMU

The Mustangs waved goodbye to a few of the key contributors to final season’s playoff run, together with star tailback Brashard Smith, however Kevin Jennings returns at QB and Rhett Lashlee says he believes this crew is sweet sufficient — not solely to make the playoff once more, however to win some video games.

6. Duke

After profitable 9 video games in Manny Diaz’s first season in Durham, Duke is trying to enhance on that in 2025. Darian Mensah arrives as a high-priced portal addition, however gamers insist his mobility and accuracy make him the lacking part for a possible playoff crew.

7. NC State

Last season, there was ample hype across the Wolfpack they usually completed 6-7. This season, nobody is speaking about them, so that they’re assured no less than eight wins, proper? The larger query for Dave Doeren is that if this crew can ever recover from the hump and shut in on 10 or extra victories and a run on the postseason.

8. Pittsburgh

Pitt in all probability wasn’t nearly as good as final season’s 7-0 begin. Pat Narduzzi insists the Panthers definitely weren’t as unhealthy as their 0-6 end. A bit higher harm luck and one other offseason with Kade Bell’s up-tempo offense ought to equate to extra consistency and, Narduzzi hopes, a greater report in 2025.

9. Florida State

Everything that might have gone incorrect did for Florida State final season, however the first merchandise on the checklist of disasters was in all probability quarterback. Mike Norvell addressed that flaw by nabbing Tommy Castellanos within the switch portal. He’s a run-first QB who was benched at BC final yr and is already grabbing headlines for speaking smack about Alabama. It’s a giant danger FSU hopes will repay.

10. Virginia Tech

On one hand, final season’s injury-plagued 6-7 end was an enormous disappointment for a crew that entered with excessive hopes. On the opposite hand, the Hokies did not lose a regular-season recreation by greater than 10 factors for the primary time since 2010. Getting over the close-game blues (Virginia Tech is 1-12 below Brent Pry in video games determined by seven factors or fewer) would be the key.

11. Virginia

Tony Elliott’s rebuild at Virginia has been sluggish. The program has endured tragedy, handled restricted funds, and struggled to search out roster consistency. But Elliott’s blueprint is lastly coming into focus, and a manageable schedule definitely makes it appear as if this may very well be the yr UVA takes a giant step ahead.

12. Syracuse

Syracuse gained 10 video games in 2024 in Fran Brown’s first season as a head coach, relying totally on the arm of Kyle McCord. He’s gone this season — changed by Rickie Collins and Steve Angeli — together with most of his offensive weapons. The schedule is harder too, making the trail towards a repeat efficiency seem to be a tough one.

13. North Carolina

Bill Belichick has made ample headlines this offseason, however none for what has occurred on the sector. One purpose: No one is aware of what has occurred on the sector. Belichick has been (unsurprisingly) tight-lipped however even he admits that with a lot roster turnover, he is a good distance from realizing what he has to work with.

14. Boston College

Bill O’Brien appears desirous to do extra with much less at BC, and he confirmed final season the Eagles are able to profitable some video games, even when they’re among the many lowest-funded applications within the ACC. QB switch Dylan Lonergan, a former blue-chip recruit at Alabama, may very well be the important thing to higher fortunes in 2025.

15. California

Cal misplaced its beginning quarterback, 5 tailbacks, two tight ends and a handful of receivers to the switch portal. This would appear like unhealthy information, however as Justin Wilcox identified, the Bears’ offense largely stunk final season anyway.

16. Wake Forest

First-year head coach Jake Dickert predicted his crew could be picked final. His response: “Good.” The Deacons will probably be neglected as a result of large turnover — notably on offense — after Dave Clawson abruptly resigned final yr. A light-weight schedule may assist in the rebuild although.

17. Stanford

Changing coaches a day earlier than spring follow begins isn’t excellent, however for a crew coming off 4 straight 3-9 finishes, it is exhausting to see how issues can get a lot worse. Andrew Luck, the brand new GM, says he is constructing one thing, nevertheless it definitely feels as if the most important strides are a number of years off. — David Hale