2 hours ago 1

ESPN reveals updated ACC Football rankings for 2025 season

ESPN revealed their updated ACC football rankings ahead of the 2025 college football season as games are so close. The ACC has a few College Football Playoff contenders as well!

The rankings are via ESPN’s FPI metrics. When looking at them, the ACC teams are in order and the national ranking is listed in parentheses.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the ACC football rankings, per ESPN. We start at the top!

1. Clemson (16)

Clemson rates out as ESPN’s top ACC team this season. Although, the No. 16 ranking might be a bit low for some overall, but that’s per the FPI.

Cade Klubnik returns at QB off a career year, Peter Woods and TJ Parker highlight the defensive line and there’s a major experience factor. This team could be a national title contender.

2. Miami (17)

The Hurricanes just missed out on the CFP last year due to some self-inflicted wounds. Going into this year, Miami should be in the thick of things again.

ESPN has them within the top 20 overall as well, so it’s a decent starting point. Carson Beck takes over at QB and should thrive in Shannon Dawson’s offense.

3. SMU (19)

Rhett Lashlee got this team to the CFP last season as ACC runner ups. ESPN has them near the top of the conference once again.

Kevin Jennings is one of the more experienced quarterbacks, so that helps matters for the Mustangs. SMU also addressed needs via the portal on the offensive and defensive lines.

4. Virginia Tech (31)

Brent Pry goes into Year 4 with a chance to have a breakout campaign. The Hokies have been to back to back bowl games, but contending for the ACC has to be the reality this year.

Kyron Droves will have some new weapons to throw to. Donovan Greene and Cameron Seldon transferred in and should slot in as exciting WRs while the defense added, arguably, four starters through the portal.

5. Louisville (38)

The Cardinals round out the top five of the ACC rankings from ESPN. Miller Moss is the new quarterback for Louisville this season, coming over from USC, and should have a good time in Jeff Brohm’s offense.

There will be three new starters in the secondary, via the portal. Wesley Bailey is an intriguing pass rusher added this year following a solid tenure at Rutgers.

6. Georgia Tech (39)

The Yellow Jackets are in the top half of the ACC this season, at least before the games start. Brent Key’s team is also within the top 40 overall.

Haynes King starts at QB once again and has star RB Jamal Haynes in the backfield. Eric Rivers transfers in at WR. The defense added three new defensive linemen through the portal this offseason.

7. Duke (47)

For Manny Diaz and Duke to have another solid season in the ACC, they’ll need production from a lot of new faces on offense. Darian Mesah is No. 1 at QB in that department.

The defense has a lot of seniors this season, including two transfers in Josiah Green (DT) and Jaiden Francois (LB). As of now, they’re a middle of the pack team in-conference until proven otherwise.

8. Boston College (55)

Boston College Eagles head coach Bill O'Brien on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Yankee Stadium. - Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY Sports

Bill O’Brien could have a middling team this year, but that’s why they play the games. The Eagles aren’t necessarily thought of as an ACC contender, as currently constructed anyway.

Dylan Lonergan takes over at QB after Thomas Castellanos transferred to Florida State. As it stands, BC has a veteran defense, all guys who played for the program last year.

9. Pittsburgh (57)

The Panthers added some transfers on the offensive line to solidify that group. But as it stands, they’re in the middle of the ACC and outside the top 50 nationally.

Eli Holstein is still at QB and has a talented man in Desmond Reid in the backfield. Blaine Spires should make an impact at defensive end after transferring in.

10. NC State (58)

Dave Doeren has, perhaps, a bit of a prove-it year in the ACC. NC State is going with CJ Bailey at QB and added two transfers on the offensive line to improve the unit.

On defense, they added three would-be starters on defense. Overall, the entire unit is senior heavy and should be a solid group.

11. North Carolina (59)
12. Syracuse (63)
13. Florida State (65)
14. Stanford (67)
15. Virginia (68)
16. California (69)
17. Wake Forest (89)