Looking to rebound from a down year as a conference, the ACC enters training camp optimistic better days await them in 2025. The goal is to land multiple teams in the playoffs and truly contend for a national title.
Eric Froton (@CFFroton) of NBC Sports takes a look at the contenders in the ACC offering an overview of each along with a look at players to watch, each school’s path to the college football playoff, and a play on the projected win total for each.
2025 Clemson Tigers Season Preview
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
Clemson Team Overview
The 2025 Clemson Tigers enter the season ranked #1 nationally in returning production (77.9%), per ESPN and SP+ composite metrics. They return the most offensive production in the FBS (83.0%), including every pass attempt, reception, and receiving touchdown from a 10-win, ACC championship roster. Defensively, 72.8% of snaps return from a unit that ranked 6th in SP+ and led the conference in multiple advanced disruption metrics. The Tigers face the season without longtime contributors Phil Mafah and Jake Briningstool, but they reload with a wave of young, talented skill players and a strong veteran offensive line. With proven success and elite continuity, Clemson is positioned as the ACC’s flagship playoff contender.
Clemson Player to Watch: WR Antonio Williams
Williams is the alpha of Clemson’s wideout corps. After catching 75 passes for 908 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, he returns with All-American buzz and a well-established connection with Cade Klubnik. Williams ran over 440 routes and operated from both the slot and perimeter, showing elite short-area burst and body control. With Mafah and Briningstool gone, Williams will be leaned on even more in the red zone and on third downs.
Clemson makes the College Football Playoff if…
Cade Klubnik makes the jump from “great stat line” to “big-game assassin.” With all his primary weapons returning, a dominant offensive line, and one of the nation’s most experienced defenses, Klubnik has every tool at his disposal. If the Tigers avoid injury attrition and emerge from key road tilts (@SMU, @Virginia Tech) unscathed, there’s no reason this team can’t return to the CFP and win a semifinal for the first time since 2019.
Clemson Projected Outlook & Over/Under Verdict
The Tigers have a heavily juiced 9.5 Wins line at a massive Over -200. With 83% of offensive and 73% of defensive production returning, Clemson is not just the most experienced team in the ACC—they’re one of the most complete in the country. If Klubnik takes another step and the run game fills the Mafah void, then this Tigers team has legitimate national title upside. -200 is a heavy price to pay, but Clemson is a virtual lock to clear 9.5 Wins unless something drastic happens.
2025 Louisville Cardinals Season Preview
Head Coach: Jeff Brohm (2nd season)
2024 Record: 9–4 (7–1 ACC)
Bowl/Playoff Appearance: Sun Bowl victory over Washington
Offense SP+ Rank (2024): 35th
Returning Starters (Offense): 7
Defense SP+ Rank (2024): 22nd
Returning Starters (Defense): 6
DraftKings Win Total (Projected): 8.0 wins
Louisville Team Overview
Louisville heads into 2025 looking to build off last season’s 9-win campaign and Sun Bowl victory. Jeff Brohm’s second season brings a new-look offense with USC transfer Miller Moss at quarterback, bolstered by impact skill players and one of the ACC’s deepest offensive lines. Defensively, the Cardinals return six starters from a unit that ranked 40th in SP+ and excelled in pressure generation and third-down defense. The core is sturdy, and with key transfer additions and continuity in Brohm’s system, Louisville is again positioned to contend for an ACC Championship berth.
Louisville Player to Watch: WR Chris Bell
Bell (6’2/220) developed into a credible WR2 alongside departed Alabama transfer Ja’Corey Brooks, recording 43 receptions on 62 targets for 737 yards, 17.1 YPC and four touchdowns last year. He sports a true-X profile and is physical at the catch point, as his career 60% contested catch rate will attest. Bell battles WR Caullin Lacy to be HC Jeff Brohm’s high volume WR1, but Bell appears to have the inside track on the lead role based on his ascension in 2024.
Louisville makes the College Football Playoff if…
…Miller Moss adapts quickly to the scheme and forms instant chemistry with his new receiving corps. The offensive line is elite on paper, and the running game has thunder-and-lightning potential. Defensively, if Jordan Guerad and TJ Quinn continue their disruptive play and the secondary holds up against the ACC’s pass-happy offenses, Louisville can repeat its 2023 run.
Louisville Projected Outlook & Over/Under Verdict
The Cardinals will need to surpass 8.5 Wins (Over -130) while playing the 33rd most difficult schedule nationally. They draw @Miami, Clemson and @SMU in addition to rival Kentucky and will be favorites against the rest of their opponents. I think Louisville can split those four games and clear their 8.5 Wins line (-130).
2025 Miami Hurricanes Season Preview
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal (4th season)
2024 Record: 10–3 (6–2 ACC)
Bowl/Playoff Appearance: Lost Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Iowa State 42-41
Offense SP+ Rank (2024): 43rd
Returning Starters (Offense): 7
Defense SP+ Rank (2024): 28th
Returning Starters (Defense): 8
Miami Team Overview
The 2024 Miami Hurricanes rebounded with a strong 10–3 season, including a 6–2 mark in ACC play. Behind one of the conference’s most balanced rosters and the arrival of elite Georgia QB transfer Carson Beck, Miami enters 2025 as a legitimate ACC title threat. The offensive line allowed 23 sacks on the year despite an extremely high pass volume and brings back multiple NFL prospects. Defensively, Rueben Bain headlines a disruptive front that helped lift Miami to top-30 finishes in most advanced metrics. With continuity, trench strength, and a manageable schedule, the Hurricanes are a true playoff contender.
Miami Player to Watch: QB Carson Beck
Beck is coming off a season where he regressed from a meteoric 2023 rise by throwing interceptions in key spots and injuring his elbow which required offseason surgery. If he looks like the focused, dialed-in version of 2023 then Miami’s #1 rated offense could score 37+ points per game again.
Miami makes the College Football Playoff if…
…Beck proves to be the final missing piece. The offensive line has NFL talent, and the run game is in good hands with Mark Fletcher Jr., while the Canes uncover a go-to #1 wideout. If the secondary can limit damaging pass plays (18% 20+ yard pass play rate) while the line continues to be disruptive up front (19.1% havoc rate LY, 23rd nationally), then Miami has ACC Championship Game and CFP upside.
Miami Projected Outlook & Over/Under Verdict
With a projected total of about 9.7 wins via FPI, Miami’s DraftKings over/under is right on the button at 9.5 wins (Under -160/Over +135). Given the massive turnover and returning production metrics, a 9 or 10-win season looks realistic, but falls slightly short of Playoff contender status unless Beck and emerging players elevate quickly. I’m staying away at the -160 price point though.
2025 SMU Mustangs Season Preview
Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee (4th season)
2024 Record: 11–3 (8–0 ACC) — ACC Championship Game runner-up, CFP First Round
Bowl/Playoff Appearance: Lost 38-10 to Penn State in 1st Round of CFP Playoff
Offense SP+ Rank (2024): 10th
Returning Starters (Offense): 6
Defense SP+ Rank (2024): 26th
Returning Starters (Defense): 5
SMU Team Overview
SMU returns in 2025 as one of the top contenders in the ACC, likely behind only Clemson and Miami in the preseason pecking order. ESPN ranks the Mustangs as the No. 3 team in the conference via SP+ and one of just three programs given realistic odds to win the league. Rhett Lashlee’s program continues to build on its momentum, pairing a high-efficiency spread offense with a defense that thrives on limiting big plays. In just one year in the ACC, SMU not only belonged, they dominated. Now the challenge is sustaining that performance with new faces in key positions.
SMU Player to Watch: QB Kevin Jennings
Jennings was the engine behind SMU’s run to the ACC title game and CFP berth in 2024. His ability to extend plays and create with his legs made him one of the most productive quarterbacks in the conference. But his tendency to take chances also led to 11 interceptions in 380 attempts which he will need to cut down on. With the offense now fully his, Jennings enters 2025 with All-ACC honors well within reach. If he can elevate his deep-ball efficiency and pocket awareness, SMU’s offense could once again be top-15 nationally.
SMU makes the College Football Playoff if…
…Kevin Jennings takes the next step as a passer, and the rebuilt front seven holds up against the run. The offense has the talent and scheme to score on anyone. The question will be whether the defense can generate pressure (43 sacks LY) and force turnovers like it did in 2024. Games at Clemson (ACC title game rematch), then home vs. Miami and Louisville will define the season. If the Mustangs go 2–1 in that stretch, a 10–2 finish and a return to the playoff are on the table.
SMU Projected Outlook & Over/Under Verdict
DraftKings has SMU at 8.5 wins, which feels like a balanced number. Given the offensive line continuity, quarterback advantage, and smart additions on defense, 9 wins is well within reach. They avoid both Florida State and NC State in division play and travel to Clemson in a revenge spot. They’ve got 7 solidly winnable games to go with non-conference games against a pair of solid B12 programs in Baylor and @TCU. With the roster turnover on defense and the 5 tough games, I lean Under 8.5 Wins for SMU.
2025 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Season Preview
Head Coach: Brent Key (3rd full season)
2024 Record: 7–6 (5–3 ACC)
Bowl/Playoff Appearance: Lost 35-27 to Vanderbilt in the Birmingham Bowl
Offense SP+ Rank: 42nd
Returning Starters (Offense): 7
Defense SP+ Rank: 75th
Returning Starters (Defense): 6
Georgia Tech Team Overview
Quarterback Haynes King returns after a promising season while the offensive line loses two All-ACC performers and star WR Eric Singleton transfers to Auburn. According to CFB Winning Edge returning production metrics, Tech’s ranks 17th nationally and 2nd on the ACC experience chart.
Though they lose key weapons like WR Eric Singleton Jr. and NG Zeek Biggers, the Yellow Jackets restock with solid contributors with continuity at quarterback, staff stability, and a manageable schedule, Georgia Tech is positioned to disrupt the ACC pecking order.
Georgia Tech Player to Watch: QB Haynes King
King is the engine of the Yellow Jackets’ offense and is hailed as one of the most productive returning quarterbacks in the ACC. King’s dual-threat ability and improved decision-making (2 INTs LY) make him the player most critical to Tech’s postseason hopes.
Georgia Tech makes the college football playoff if...
…they replicate 2024’s offensive consistency while improving on defense. If King remains healthy, the offensive line holds serve, and the WR unit reloads, Tech has enough firepower to outscore middle-tier ACC opponents. Defensively, a modest jump in havoc rate and third-down stops could swing close games like last year’s narrow losses to Georgia and Syracuse. A home-friendly schedule boosts their ceiling as a +550 underdog to make the Playoff.
Georgia Tech Projected Outlook & Over/Under Verdict
DraftKings lists Georgia Tech’s win total at 7.5 (-150 Over). Georgia Tech isn’t flashy, but they’re sturdy, experienced, and battle tested. With Haynes King leading a veteran-laden offense and a defense returning more than it loses, Brent Key’s squad looks ready to take another step. If the defense progresses and the passing game replaces departed stars effectively, the Jackets can crack 8 wins and make a serious run at a Top Three ACC finish. I lean Over 7.5 Wins and love Georgia Tech -4 over a rebuilding @ Colorado Week 1.
Without question, the ACC brings more talent to the gridiron this season. However, the challenge is turning that talent into wins if the conference is to get multiple teams to contend for a national championship.
