The ACC sent two teams into last year’s College Football Playoff but had both ejected in the opening round, with Clemson losing to Texas and SMU to Penn State.
There’s reason to think the league could again put multiple teams in this year’s 12-team bracket, and this time win a game or two against the best of the best in the Bowl Subdivision.
Clemson leads the way heading into spring drills. The Tigers have the pieces to get back to the top of the conference and earn a top-four seed and opening-round bye. The ACC can tout additional playoff contenders in Miami, Louisville, Georgia Tech and SMU.
With practices set to begin this month, here’s our first shot at ranking the ACC for the 2025 season:
1. Clemson
The Tigers return the most production of any team in the Power Four, keyed by one of the nation’s most experienced quarterbacks in senior Cade Klubnik. On paper, Clemson is the best team in the ACC and a genuine contender for the national championship if Dabo Swinney can put all the pieces together.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) runs for a touchdown against North Carolina State during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium.
2. Miami
Replacing Cam Ward won’t be easy, especially given the uncertainty around Georgia transfer Carson Beck and his recovery from last year’s arm injury. If healthy, Beck gives the Hurricanes a steady but far less vibrant starter to lead another talented roster. But there’s the matter of avoiding the surprising losses that have plagued the program in recent years.
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3. Louisville
Louisville’s potential breakthrough season in 2024 was undermined by a failure to win close games against elite competition. This is a deeper team buoyed by transfer…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/acc-power-rankings-clemson-leading-111135651.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2025-03-05 11:11:00
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