ACC sneak peek: Can a brand-new competitor emerge to challenge Clemson

• Andrea Adelson Close Andrea Adelson ESPN Senior Citizen Author ACC press reporter. Signed up with

  ESPN.com in 2010

  . Graduate of the University of Florida.David Hale Close David

  Hale

  ESPN Personnel Author

  • College football reporter.Joined ESPN in 2012. Graduate of the University of Delaware.Aug 5
  • , 2024, 12:50 PM ET The ACC opens the 2024 season with

a makeover, as three new teams sign up with a conference that already feels up for grabs. New this year are Cal, Stanford and SMU, eager to prove they belong. And yes, Florida State and Clemson are back despite their continuous legal cases with the ACC.How will the conference move impact those three new teams? Are Florida State and Clemson the clear front-runners, or will Miami, Virginia Tech, NC State, Louisville or another group discover itself in the mix to win an ACC championship?ESPN press reporters Andrea Adelson and David Hale take a look at the league’s leading beginners, CFP outlook, biggest games, coaches on the hot seat, power rankings and more.Jump to a section: CFP outlook|Top transfers|Impact freshmen Our favorite players|Must-see games Numbers

to know|On the hot seat Groups on the rise|Power rankings CFP outlook Mike Norvell and Florida State aim to safeguard their ACC crown, howeverthere’s no specific favorite in the league race. Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire The good news for the ACC is it will not be left out of the playoff for a 4th straight year in 2024 thanks to the ensured quote that comes with the CFP’s growth to 12 groups. The bad news is the league should be shooting for several quotes but the chances of that occurring might not be fantastic. Make no error, the league is deep at the top, with as many as 7 groups with reasonable hopes of a playoff berth. But unless 2 or three really retreat from the pack, that many contenders is usually a recipe for some internal chaos.Should remain in

There is no precise favorite in the ACC, so although its champion is ensured a berth, it’s anybody

‘s guess who that’ll be. If history is any guide, however, Clemson or Florida State would be the apparent choice. The Tigers and Seminoles have actually won the league every year but one considering that 2011. Both have possibly elite defenses and some appealing ability talent on offense, but both have big question marks at QB, with Cade Klubnik searching for development after an unsteady sophomore season at Clemson and DJ Uiagalelei wanting to replace all the production lost by Jordan Travis ‘departure at FSU.In the running Aside from the two co-favorites, the biggest name in the mix is Miami. The Hurricanes pressed all their chips to the middle of the table this offseason, landing a host of skill via the transfer portal, including

QB Camera Ward and running back Damien Martinez. There’s a strong case to be made that the Walking sticks are the most gifted group in the league– it’s simply that talent hasn’t always translated to wins in Coral Gables.Don’t ignore NC State, nevertheless. The Wolfpack also cleaned up in the portal, including QB Grayson McCall, tailback Jordan Waters, receiver Noah Rogers and tight end Justin Joly, offering Dave Doeren perhaps his most potent offense considering that he showed up in 2014. An accommodating schedule likewise establishes well for the Pack. The problem, obviously, is this is a program that has won 10 games simply when in its history.Long shots Perhaps no ACC team is getting more offseason buzz than Virginia Tech, which closed out 2023 by winning 5 of seven, consisting of a 41-20 success over Tulane in a bowl game. The Hokies bring back virtually every key player from in 2015’s team, including QB Kyron Drones and tailback Bhayshul Tuten

, providing Brent Pry a real shot at returning the as soon as great program to the nationwide spotlight. Still, moving from 7-6 to a playoff berth requires some considerable improvement from last season.Louisville played for an ACC title last year, and the Cardinals’defense looks plenty capable of leading the charge back to Charlotte in 2024. The greatest question looming for Jeff Brohm’s team is at quarterback, where Tyler Shough arrives via the website for a sixth season of college ball and is still wishing to play his first injury-free season.If there’s a real dark horse in the mix, it might

be North Carolina. The Heels would seem to be taking a step back after biding farewell to QB Drake Maye, however the makeup of this group figures to lean more greatly on the supporting cast. A potentially elite ground game, a much bigger offensive line and a defense searching for a new beginning under new planner Geoff Collins have Heels fans believing there’s a brand-new plan for success in Chapel Hill.Top transfers A lot of quarterbacks: With Miami’s Ward, FSU’s Uiagalelei and NC State’s McCall amongst the most intriguing. Include Shough, UNC’s Max Johnson and Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and half a lots ACC teams with big aspirations are starting a QB who got here through the portal. Which team takes the biggest step in 2024 might depend on which transfer QB has the biggest impact. Florida State DE Marvin Jones Jr.: Jones is an FSU tradition– son of Noles fantastic Marvin Jones Sr.– but he selected Georgia out of high school. After 2 seasons with restricted action, nevertheless, Jones Jr. hit the website and went home to Florida State this offseason, and from the reports from coach Mike Norvell, it’s been a match made in heaven. Jones has expanded and wreaked havoc in practices, and offered Norvell’s success with transfer pass rushes– see first-round choices Jermaine Johnson and Jared Verse– it’s completely possible Jones will blossom into among the most feared defenders in the conference in 2024. NC State C Zeke Correll: The Wolfpack completely rebuilt its offense in the website this season, and while McCall, Rogers, Waters and others got sufficient headings, the buzz in the locker room is loudest for Correll. A sixth-year senior, Correll began 31 games at Notre Dame before showing up in Raleigh this offseason. He was recovering from injury in the spring, however he still made his management felt, and he figures to be the anchor for an O-line that might well be the linchpin for NC

State’s success in 2024. Effect freshmen Bryant Wesco Jr., WR, Clemson: The Tigers have actually been missing out on a game breaker at receiver over the past several seasons, but there is optimism that will change this year, thanks in part to inbound freshman Wesco. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound freshman, an ESPN 300 possibility, registered early in spring as one of the top receivers in the country. So far, he has actually not dissatisfied. When asked during ACC Kickoff for a player who will be a difference-maker this year, quarterback Cade Klubnik did not hesitate to state Wesco. When asked to elaborate, he said, “You’ll see.” Elija Lofton, TE, Miami: The Hurricanes signed another top recruiting class, but the player who has actually drawn early raves as somebody who can make an impact early is Lofton, an ESPN 300 possibility who registered early and was there for spring practice. Miami, which has a long and storied tight end tradition, might utilize him in a variety of ways thanks to his adaptability. He played running back in the spring game, for instance, to assist supply some depth. Coach

Mario Cristobal has actually not avoided applauding Lofton, either. Sincere Edwards, DL, Pittsburgh: Defensive line is a position that will have an entirely revamped search for Pitt this season, with turnover across the board causing chances for players to step up. Coach Pat Narduzzi said Edwards will be in the rotation along the defensive front this season, and those who have actually paid attention to Pitt in recent years know the Panthers like to play aggressively– and have a flair for developing NFL talent.– Tom Luginbill Our favorite players Omarion Hampton hurried for 1,504 yards last season and might play an even larger function in the Tar Heels’offense this year. Grant Halverson/Getty Images Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina: Hampton will make North Carolina must-see TV this season as he acts on an absolutely dominant season, in which he ran for 1,504 backyards and 15 goals. North Carolina got back at larger on its offending line, which can just bode well for Hampton and the Tar Heels’running game. Ashton Gillotte, DL, Louisville: Gillotte

has fun with a negligent interest that makes it difficult to watch anybody else on the field. Last season, he had 14.5 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks, and he chose to return for one more season to show he can do much more. Jaydn Ott, RB, Cal: There is a factor preseason hype has followed Ott into the ACC although he has yet to take a snap in his new conference. He was that dominant last season in the Pac-12, with 1,305 lawns and 12 goals. Oh, he can return kicks, too. His 119.58 all-purpose lawns per game ranks 4th amongst all returning players in the nation. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami: Will quarterback Cam Ward make some plays on offense this season? Absolutely.

However Bain will be the player to see on defense after an excellent freshman debut last season. Bain had 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, in addition to 44 takes on, and is poised for more in 2024. Kyron Drones, QB, Virginia Tech: The Hokies have high wish to return to an ACC championship game this season in big part due to the fact that of the advancement of Drones in the second half of last season. Drones can turn routine plays into highlights, and his running ability makes it tough to anticipate what exactly will happen each time he takes a breeze.

Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson: Go rewatch in 2015’s Gator Bowl against Kentucky to learn why Mafah is one of our preferred players. Mafah set a Gator Bowl record with 4 touchdown runs, and, well, he’s been known to bowl over a linebacker or two. Tough and physical with speed, Mafah now takes spotlight with Will Shipley gone to the NFL.

Patrick Payton, DE, Florida State: His speed and speed off the edge have allowed him to excel, with 14.5 takes on for loss, 7 sacks, 10 pass separations, 7 rushes and 2 required fumbles last season. However with Jared Verse on the other side, there were times he was eclipsed. Not any longer.

Marlowe Wax, LB, Syracuse: Among the best, most consistent players in the ACC, Wax has actually played in 49 profession games because his freshman year in 2020. His longevity alone makes him stand apart from a crowd, however he likewise happens to be among the best linebackers in the conference. Wax led the team in deals with (110 ), takes on for loss (11.5) and required fumbles (4) in 2023.Must-see games

Clemson vs. Georgia, Aug. 31: The last time these 2 groups opened the season, in 2021, DJ Uiagalelei began at quarterback, Clemson lost 10-3 and the Tigers have not rather strike the same results as they did throughout their six-year playoff run. What much better method to see where Clemson stacks up than this opener?

Miami vs. Florida, Aug. 31: There is no rejecting the stakes on the line for both groups. Florida coach Billy Napier and Miami coach Mario Cristobal each get in Year 3 dealing with rabid fan bases excited to win and win now. Headed into the season, the Canes appear to be far much better placed to make a statement in 2024– making this an even larger high-stakes game.

NC State vs. Tennessee, Sept. 7: For the ACC to attempt to get several groups into the broadened College Football Playoff, its teams are going to need to perform well in nonconference play. This is a big game to that end, but also for an NC State group that has accepted high

expectations for 2024. Clemson at Florida State, Oct. 5: Clemson and Florida State have actually integrated to play in 13 of the past 14 ACC national championship, and it stands to reason that both will remain in the mix to make it back to Charlotte this year. This game is always big, however without divisions, the result not just provides the winner a leg up but could also have ramifications on possible tiebreakers down the line. Florida State at Miami, Oct. 26: Miami has designs on playing for a championship this year, and to do that, the Canes will have to surpass the Noles.

Florida State has won 3 straight on its competitor, including a 45-3 victory the last time they played in Miami, in Year 1 under Cristobal. That game has not been forgotten. Clemson at Virginia Tech, Nov. 9:

Offered what both teams appear like on

paper headed into the season, we are predicting this game to have significant ACC championship game implications. Virginia Tech has actually

not beaten Clemson because 2007. Four of Clemson’s previous 6 wins over the Hokies remained in the ACC title game.Numbers to know 2,684: Miles between Boston College’s Alumni Stadium and Stanford Arena 3: Active FBS coaches with a national title– 2 are in the ACC(Dabo Swinney and Mack Brown; Kirby Smart is the other )51%: Percentage of total starts from transfers players for Florida State over the previous two seasons, third highest amongst Power 4 schools 0%: Portion of overall starts from transfers players for Clemson over the previous 2 seasons, least expensive among Power 4 schools– ESPN Stats & Details

On the hot seat

The ACC heads into the season with relative stability amongst its head coaches. The 2 coaches who were on the hot seat headed into 2023 are no longer in the league (Jeff Hafley and Dino Babers), and there are 5 coaches headed into Years 1 or 2. Those looking at win-loss records just would point to Virginia coach Tony Elliott, who is 6-16 in two seasons. But there are extenuating scenarios at Virginia, given the disaster the program withstood in his very first season as head coach, when three players were eliminated and the rest of the regular season was canceled as a result. Elliott said this feels like Year 1 for him, given everything that has taken place because his arrival, and Virginia has been a place understood to offer its coaches time and patience.Teams growing

Adelson: NC State

The Wolfpack have actually been a program increasing over the past numerous years, however they now believe it’s time to take that next step from eight- or nine-win group to competitor. “We anticipate the expectations now,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said.

Hale: Virginia Tech Coach Brent Pry stated during ACC Kickoff that he would be dissatisfied if the Hokies do not complete for a championship game this year. This is a group that has actually made constant enhancement since Pry got here, however with its essential players returning on offense and defense, the Hokies plainly want more.Power rankings 1

. Florida State:

The defending ACC champ begins where it left off last season, although a revamped offense will give the Noles a new look headed into 2024.2. Clemson: Although there are questions

about the offense, the defense must be stout once again with Peter Woods, T.J. Parker and Barrett Carter leading the way.3. Miami: Yes, there is a concern every year about Miami and whether this will be the year it goes back to the national stage. However the pieces are in location for the Canes to make a run this year.4. NC State: With Grayson McCall and a host of

other transfers on offense, the Wolfpack have one of the most gifted groups in the ACC headed into the season.5. Virginia Tech: The Hokies closed last season with wins in 3 of their final four games, scoring more than 40 points in all the success. With just about everybody back, expectations are high.6. Louisville: Few individuals are discussing Jeff Brohm’s team after an ACC championship game look in 2023, however do not sleep on the Cards. If Tyler Shough can stay healthy at quarterback, Louisville will remain in contention as soon as again.7. North Carolina: Keep an eye on the Tar Heels as a sleeper group in the ACC, even without Drake Maye. Running back Omarion Hampton leads the way, and the defense needs to be far enhanced.8. SMU: The Mustangs are established for success right out of the gate in Year 1 in the ACC, with a high-powered offense returning.

However how they’ll hold up on the offending and defensive lines is the greatest secret.9. Syracuse: There is renewed energy and excitement surrounding the Syracuse program with first-year coach Fran Brown and a great deal of high-profile transfers blazing a trail, starting with quarterback Kyle McCord.10. Cal: The Bears have a preseason All-American candidate in running back Jaydn Ott and are on a mission this season to reveal they can raise their play.11.

Georgia Tech: The Jackets return their biggest playmakers on offense, beginning with quarterback Haynes King, once again are encumbered among the hardest

schedules in the ACC.12. Pitt: Coach Pat Narduzzi thinks the Panthers have actually discovered a quarterback in Nate Yarnell, who takes control of as the starter running the lightning-fast offense Cade Bell brings with him from Western Carolina.13. Duke: Manny Diaz acquires a gifted roster and a group that has actually won 17 games over the previous two years however has actually retooled offensive and defensive lines and a competitors

at quarterback.14. Boston College: Quarterback Thomas Castellanos said the hiring of Expense O’Brien as head coach”is the very best thing that ever happened to me.”He and the rest of the offense believe O’Brien

can develop the Eagles into more consistent winners.15. Wake Forest: Last year was an abnormality for Dave Clawson and the program he has built in Winston-Salem. The Demon Deacons have a continuous quarterback competitors however must be far much better on that side of the ball.16. Virginia: The Cavaliers lost five games by a touchdown or less, and they return a solid young group that might move up. Their schedule, however, does them no prefers.17. Stanford: There have actually been growing discomforts for Stanford under second-year coach Troy Taylor, but the Cardinal return skill– including All-Pac-12 receiver Elic Ayomanor.