ACC Football Preseason Power Ranking 2024: Top Teams, Sleeper Picks, and Conference Predictions
It's time to think about that wild, redrawn Atlantic Coast Conference. In a 17-team mega-league that runs from seat to shining sea, here's a preseason rundown on the league's best. Specifically, we'll break down the league's top five teams and then offer a couple of potential ACC sleepers for your consideration.
Top 5 Teams in the ACC Preseason Power Ranking
1. Florida State
A year ago, FSU was on top of the ACC world and built a legitimate argument as a College Football Playoff team. Then the wheel fell off in a humiliating 63-3 loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl. But after all, it was just one game.
FSU still has tremendous talent, notably on a talented and experienced offensive line. If well-traveled QB DJ Uiagalelei can keep things humming offensively, FSU could end up right back where they were before the Georgia debacle.
2. Clemson
Clemson hasn't been a nationally elite program since 2019, but there's reason to hope they pull it back together this season. The Tiger offense isn't likely to return to its heyday of scoring 40+ points per game, but the defense is pretty tenacious.
The linebackers and defensive backs are among the best in the conference and likely in the nation. If Dabo Swinney's stubborn avoidance of the portal will pay dividends, 2024 looks like the logical time.
3. Miami
Mario Cristobal is going all in on this season. With a massive portal haul including QB Cam Ward and RB Damien Martinez, Miami is an explosive team this fall. Perhaps no team has as many big-play skill players, and Miami's mostly returning OL allowed just 16 sacks last year.
Defense is a bit more of a question mark for the Hurricanes, but if they can keep up, this Miami team could end up atop the ACC.
4. SMU
First, yes, SMU is now in the ACC. Second, they're a genuine competitor in the league. The Mustangs went 11-3 last year and scored 38.7 ppg. That's very consistent with their past five seasons of numbers. SMU returned seven receivers with 370 or more receiving yards last year.
Aside from the receivers, QB Preston Stone is a young star, even if many people haven't heard of him yet. When he passes for 3,500 yards in 2024, that will change quickly.
5. NC State
After four years of eight or nine wins, NC State is eternally poised for the shot to break into the top of the league. This Wolfpack team doesn't have a single shining area of brilliance, but they look like a solid all-around team that will be prepared to pounce on the opportunity.
Incoming QB Grayson McCall can be a star, and WR Kevin Concepcion will have a big season in Raleigh. Without Payton Wilson, it's a no-name defense for the Wolfpack, but it's long on experience and production.
Sleeper Picks and Dark Horses in the ACC
Louisville
Jeff Brohm's first season at Louisville was successful but struggled late after a 10-1 start ended with three straight losses. Can the Cardinals finish stronger this year? Louisville used the portal to nab some brilliant receivers, like Caullin Lacy and Ja'Corey Brooks.
Louisville returns plenty of players on defense and could end up with one of the ACC's top units there. If the offense can be more consistent, the Cardinals could be looking at another potential big season in 2024.
Georgia Tech
The Yellowjackets have been down for a while, but Brett Key has built them back to a solid state. It starts with the offense, where QB Haynes King is now experienced and talented. RB Jamal Haynes is a returning 1,000-yard rusher and freshman all-everything Eric Singleton is a big receiving weapon. If the defense can hold up, Tech is legitimate.
Which ACC teams do you like in 2024? Weigh in below in the comments section with your thoughts!