ACC Football 2024 Predictions

The 2024 college football season should be an interesting one for the ACC. Not only is the league battling two teams (Florida State and Clemson) in the courtroom, the conference will expand to 17 programs with the arrival of SMU, California, and Stanford. As if all of the off-field drama wasn't enough, the ACC should be a competitive league with quality depth at the top and middle for '24.

The Seminoles and Tigers top the list of favorites this fall, but Miami, NC State, Virginia Tech, Louisville and SMU aren't too far behind. Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Syracuse, and California headline the next tier, with Boston College, Wake Forest, and Pitt likely to be fighting for bowl eligibility. Duke, Stanford, and Virginia face a tough path to return to the postseason in '24.

How does Athlon Sports project the ACC for 2024? Steven Lassan predicts and ranks all 17 teams in ACC for this fall:

ACC 2024 Team Previews: Boston College | California | Clemson | Duke
Florida State | Georgia Tech | Louisville | Miami | North Carolina | NC State
Pitt | SMU | Stanford | Syracuse | Virginia | Virginia Tech | Wake Forest

ACC Football 2024 Predictions

ACC Championship Prediction: Florida State over Clemson

1. Florida State

A year after winning the ACC and getting snubbed from the CFB Playoff, coach Mike Norvell has work to do in order to keep Florida State at the top of the conference. The 'Noles bring back only eight starters and will be looking to mesh another top-rated class of transfers to keep this program at the top of the ACC.

Defense coordinator Adam Fuller brings back four starters, including end Patrick Payton and tackle Joshua Farmer to alleviate the loss of Jared Verse up front. Additionally, Miami transfer tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. will be eligible for a full season of snaps after sitting out most of '23 and will be a key cog on the interior with Farmer. Azareye’h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress are a standout pair at cornerback, with Shyheim Brown earning first-team All-ACC honors by Athlon Sports . A pair of transfers in edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia) and defensive back Earl Little Jr. (Alabama) should make a big-time impact.

The portal also brought a handful of key contributors to Norvell's offense. Former Clemson/Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is a steady option under center, and the offense can lean on a deep stable of running backs that includes Alabama transfer Roydell Williams, Caziah Holmes, and Lawrance Toafili. Another Alabama transfer (Malik Benson) could become the No. 1 target in the passing game. Three starters are back to form a strong foundation in the trenches.

Related: ACC Football 2024 All-Conference Team

2. Clemson

Coach Dabo Swinney's lack of activity in the transfer portal garnered most of the offseason attention for Clemson, but this team is still positioned to return to the top of the ACC. Although the Tigers have slipped just a bit in recent years, this program is 30-10 since '21.

For Swinney's team to win the conference and return to the CFB Playoff, jumpstarting the offense is the top offseason priority. Under new coordinator Garrett Riley, the Tigers averaged only 23.6 points in ACC contests last year. Another offseason for the personnel to develop under Riley should be a positive, and quarterback Cade Klubnik is poised to take a step forward in his progression. Phil Mafah should be one of the ACC's top running backs, and the line brings back four starters for '24. Better play from the receivers is needed for Klubnik to reach his potential - which could come in the form of true freshman Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore.

Although the defense returns only two starters, the concerns about this group are minimal. T.J. Parker and Peter Woods are two rising stars in the trenches, and linebacker Barrett Carter passed on the NFL for one more season at Clemson. Rising star cornerback Avieon Terrell and safety R.J. Mickens lead the way in the secondary.

Related: Ranking the ACC Coaches for 2024

3. Miami

Miami's talent level is on the rise entering 2024, but will the on-field results follow? Although last year's seven-win season was a disappointment, it did represent a two-game jump from '22.

Challenging for the ACC Championship this fall is likely to hinge on how fast the offense can mesh behind a pair of talented transfers in quarterback Cameron Ward (Washington State) and running back Damien Martinez (Oregon State). Led by Xavier Restrepo, the receiving corps should be among the best in the ACC. An offensive line returning three starters should also rank as one of the top groups in college football.

Outside of how well Miami's key transfers mesh with the returning personnel on offense, the biggest concern for Cristobal resides on defense with an overhauled secondary. Transfers Mishael Powell (Washington) and Dyoni Hill (Marshall) were critical pickups to address a unit losing four key defensive backs from last year. The front is a strength with ends Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain, Jr. returning, along with the arrival of Michigan State transfer Simeon Barrow on the interior.

Related: College Football 2024 All-America Team

4. Louisville

Jeff Brohm's debut season at Louisville was a massive success, as the Cardinals finished with 10 wins and played for the ACC Championship. Another run at the conference title is within reach for '24, as Brohm's team has a favorable slate and enough returning talent to push the teams at the top.

Texas Tech transfer quarterback Tyler Shough has showed flashes of potential throughout his career but struggled to stay healthy in Lubbock. If Shough avoids the major injuries that plagued his last three years with the Red Raiders, this offense could be even better than the '23 version that averaged 30.7 points a game. South Alabama transfer Caullin Lacy is an impact addition at receiver, and another portal signee (Donald Chaney) could lead the way on the ground.

The defense should be a strength thanks to seven returning starters. End Ashton Gillotte (14.5 TFL) and cornerback Quincy Riley are the headliners for coordinator Ron English and should push for All-America honors. A deep group of cornerbacks will boost the pass defense near the top of the ACC, while linebacker T.J. Quinn returns after leading the team with 92 tackles last year.

Related: College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2024

5. NC State

NC State has become a model of consistent success under coach Dave Doeren. The Wolfpack have won at least eight games in six out of the last seven years and are 16-8 in ACC play since '21.

Going from eight/nine wins to an appearance in the ACC title game is within reach this fall. Coastal Carolina's Grayson McCall is one of college football's top impact transfer quarterbacks, while the receiving corps should be among the best in the ACC thanks to the emergence of Kevin Concepcion and transfers Justin Joly (UConn), Noah Rogers (Ohio State), and Wesley Grimes (Wake Forest). Another transfer Jordan Waters rushed for 819 yards at Duke last year and will slide into the No. 1 role at running back. Four starters return in the trenches, with Notre Dame transfer Zeke Correll filling the lone void at center.

NC State's defense has ranked inside of the top three in the ACC in fewest points allowed every year since '21. Coordinator Tony Gibson is one of the nation's most underrated assistant coaches, but he will have a busy offseason restocking a group that returns only three starters and lost All-American linebacker Payton Wilson. The cupboard isn't bare, however. Lineman Davin Vann and cornerback Aydan White are two standouts for Gibson to build around, and Sean Brown and Caden Fordham are promising replacements for Wilson at linebacker.

Related: ACC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2024

6. Virginia Tech

With wins in five out of the last seven games in 2023, Virginia Tech finished the season trending in the right direction and clearly showed this program is headed up under coach Brent Pry.

The Hokies have a good chance to build off last year's late run thanks to an offense returning 11 starters, including rising star quarterback Kyron Drones, all-purpose threat Bhayshul Tuten at running back, along with Ali Jennings, Da'Quan Felton, and Jaylin Lane at receiver. Four starters return along the offensive line, but Pry and coordinator Tyler Bowen need this unit to show improvement to push for a trip to the ACC title game.

The optimism for Pry also extends to a defense that allowed 23.8 points a game last year. Eight starters are back, including Antwaun Powell-Ryland (14.5 TFL in '23) and standout cornerbacks Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane. The Hokies need to stop the run better this year, with Middle Tennessee transfer linebacker Sam Brumfield expected to help plug the second level and stuff opposing ground attacks.

Related: College Football's Top Quarterbacks on the Rise for 2024

7. SMU

The jump from the American Athletic Conference to the ACC is a big one, but SMU is well equipped to handle this move in '24. Coach Rhett Lashlee's squad returns 14 starters after winning 11 games and the American Athletic Conference title last year.

The Mustangs finished eighth nationally in scoring (38.7 points a game) last fall and will have no trouble putting up points on the scoreboard again with quarterback Preston Stone back from injury and a deep group of skill players at running back and in the receiving corps. The line is undergoing some offseason retooling after Branson Hickman (Oklahoma) and Marcus Bryant (Missouri) transferred. However, a few portal additions, along with the steady play of Justin Osborne on the interior, should keep this unit performing at a high level.

Although offense led the way for SMU last year, the defense showed marked improvement and was also instrumental in the 11-win campaign. After giving up 33.8 points a game in '22, the Mustangs cut that total to 17.8 last fall. Similar to the offense, a handful of transfers will help fill a few holes, with the cornerback spot likely to be coordinator Scott Symons' biggest concern in the fall.

Related: ACC Football 2024 All-Conference Team

8. North Carolina

The Tar Heels are 17-10 over the last two years but late-season slides in November prevented coach Mack Brown's team from top-25 finishes. If North Carolina can find a quarterback to replace Drake Maye and improve defensively, a favorable schedule could help Brown's team return to the top 25.

Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson, Jacolby Criswell (back after a year at Arkansas), and Conner Harrell will battle this fall to replace Maye under center. The winner of this competition can lean on one of the nation's top running backs in Omarion Hampton, along with a solid group of weapons on the outside that includes tight end Bryson Nesbit and receiver JJ Jones. Just one starter is back up front, but a couple of transfers - likely Austin Blaske from Georgia and Howard Sampson from North Texas - should help right away.

The defense is experienced (seven returning starters), but this unit has struggled mightily in recent years and remains a question mark in '24. New coordinator Geoff Collins is likely to be more aggressive than predecessor Gene Chizik and needs to find better ways to stop the run after the Tar Heels ranked 11th in the ACC last year. Edge rusher Kaimon Rucker (8.5 sacks) and linebacker Power Echols are two returning standouts for Collins.

Related: College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2024

9. Georgia Tech

Brent Key's first full season in charge was a success, as the Yellow Jackets exceeded expectations with a 7-6 mark and 4-4 record in ACC action. Another step forward could be a tough obstacle with a schedule that includes 11 bowl teams from '24, including Florida State, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Louisville, and Miami.

Under the direction of coordinator Buster Faulkner, the offense showed massive improvement last fall. After averaging 17.2 points per game in '22, this unit posted 31.1 a contest last year. Texas A&M transfer Haynes King had a stellar debut (275.3 total yards a game) in Atlanta last season and is set to direct one of the ACC's top offenses once again with running back Jamal Haynes and receivers Eric Singleton Jr. and Malik Rutherford returning. Four starters return up front, including All-ACC picks Weston Franklin and Jordan Williams.

Scoring points won't be a problem for the Yellow Jackets, but Key's defense needs to show improvement to overcome a brutal schedule. After giving up 29.5 points a game last year, Key shuffled the staff, which includes the hire of former Duke coordinator Tyler Santucci as the new play-caller. Four starters are back, and Key dipped into the portal for additional help at every level.

Related: College Football 2024 All-America Team

10. California

Adapting to the ACC and the extra travel will be tough challenge for California, but coach Justin Wilcox's team has the pieces in place to push for its first winning season since '19.

Although Wilcox is known for his defensive acumen, the Golden Bears have regressed on this side of the ball. After holding teams to 22.3 points a game in '21, this unit surrendered 32.8 last year. The combination of eight returning starters and a few pickups from the portal provides optimism for improvement this fall. Safety Craig Woodson and linebacker Cade Uluave are two standouts for Wilcox to build around, but the secondary and pass rush must improve.

Mike Bloesch takes over the play-calling duties after Jake Spavital left to become the offensive coordinator at Baylor. Bloesch has several intriguing pieces to work with, including North Texas transfer Chandler Rogers at quarterback, and one of the nation's most underrated players in Jaydn Ott at running back. Transfers Mikey Matthews (Utah) and Tobias Merriweather (Notre Dame) boost the receiving corps. The offense must do a better job of limiting turnovers (28 last season).

Related: Ranking the ACC Coaches for 2024

11. Syracuse

New coach Fran Brown has infused new energy into Syracuse's program and already made a splash on the recruiting trail with a few key pickups in the portal and the freshman class for '24. Also, the schedule provides an opportunity for a fast start. The Orange miss Florida State, Clemson, SMU, and Louisville in league play this fall.

Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord was one of Brown's big wins on the recruiting trail. In 12 starts for the Buckeyes last year, McCord threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns and is a huge addition for a Syracuse offense that finished last in the ACC in passing in '23. The return of tight end Oronde Gadsen II and running back LeQuint Allen provide McCord with a couple of key weapons, but there's room to improve along an offensive line returning four starters.

The transfer theme continued on defense for Brown, as former Texas A&M lineman Fadil Diggs is a huge pickup in the trenches, and defensive back Duce Chestnut returns to Syracuse after a year at LSU. New coordinator Elijah Robinson plans to shift this unit to a 4-2-5 scheme, which makes the addition of Diggs even more crucial. Linebacker Marlowe Wax and safety Justin Barron are All-ACC picks by Athlon Sports for '24 .

Related: Grading College Football's New Coach Hires for 2024

12. Boston College

Hiring a coach in early February is never easy, but Boston College rebounded well from Jeff Hafley's departure to the NFL by bringing aboard former Penn State/Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien.

O'Brien recently worked as Alabama's offensive coordinator (2021-22), with his last stint as a head coach taking place at Penn State (2012-13). The former NFL head coach will have to adapt to the new era of college football, but there's also an opportunity to get off to a fast start in '24. The Eagles have a tough slate this fall but return a dynamic quarterback in Thomas Castellanos (258.5 total yards a game last year) and a standout one-two punch in the backfield with transfer Treshaun Ward joining Kye Robichaux. Castellanos is supported by three returning starters in the trenches and the receiving corps should be solid.

For O'Brien to get Boston College back into a bowl in '24, improving the defense is priority No. 1. This unit allowed 32.6 points in ACC play last year and ranked near the bottom of the league in stopping the pass and run. New coordinator Tim Lewis has a few intriguing pieces to build around, including end Donovan Ezeiruaku, tackle Cam Horsley, and senior linebacker Kam Arnold.

Related: ACC Football 2024 All-Conference Team

13. Pitt

Last year's 3-9 record was Pitt's first losing mark since 2017. Coach Pat Narduzzi isn't on the hot seat but another losing record would turn up the pressure going into '25.

An offensive reset was the biggest priority of the offseason. The Panthers averaged only 20.2 points a game and 5.3 yards a snap last year, prompting Narduzzi to change the offensive staff. Kade Bell arrives from Western Carolina to call plays and tweak the scheme to feature more tempo and plays in '24. A quarterback battle between Nate Yarnell and Eli Holstein will extend into the fall, but the skill talent is solid thanks to the return of running back Rodney Hammond Jr. and receivers Konata Mumpfield and tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Four starters are back on the line.

Narduzzi's defense also took a step back last year, giving up 27.4 points in ACC contests - the highest mark since '18 (28.1). This unit also suffered a few late setbacks in spring, losing end Dayon Hayes and linebacker Solomon DeShields to the transfer portal. Also, projected defensive end starter Nate Temple suffered a season-ending injury. A revamped front seven will be under the microscope early in '24, but the safety position should be strong with Javon McIntyre and Donovan McMillon returning.

Related: ACC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2024

14. Wake Forest

Last year's 4-8 record marked the first losing season (excluding the abbreviated 2020 campaign) for Wake Forest since '15. Odds favor a rebound by coach Dave Clawson's program, but there are major concerns on both sides of the ball.

Former Boise State/Louisiana Tech transfer Hank Bachmeier will battle true freshman Jeremy Hecklinski and senior Michael Kern for the starting quarterback job after the team threw only six touchdown passes in ACC contests last year. Running back Demond Claiborne and receivers Taylor Morin and Donavon Greene provide the winner of the QB battle with plenty of weapons. Clawson also needs more consistency from a line (49 sacks allowed last year) returning three starters.

The defense took a step forward last year, holding ACC teams to 27.5 points a contest (down from 33.8 in '22). The front is in good shape with Jasheen Davis and Kevin Pointer back to lead the way in the trenches, and linebacker Dylan Hazen should push for All-ACC honors. The secondary ranked last in the ACC in pass efficiency defense in '23 and remains a big concern.

15. Duke

Manny Diaz is back in charge of an ACC program after spending the last two seasons directing one of the nation's top defenses at Penn State. Prior to that stint, Diaz went 21-15 as the head coach at Miami from 2019-21.

Although Duke is coming off back-to-back bowl trips under former coach Mike Elko, Diaz will have his hands full in '24. Texas transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy is an intriguing pickup, and the skill talent is solid with the return of running back Jaquez Moore and receivers Eli Pancol and Jordan Moore. However, the offense line is likely to be a work in progress with just two returning starters.

Diaz's ability to develop solid defenses will tested in '24 with three starters back off a unit that led the ACC in fewest points allowed a game (19.0) last year. The line is the biggest area of concern after the departure of R.J. Oben, Anthony Nelson, Aeneas Peebles, and DeWayne Carter. The cupboard isn't completely bare here for Diaz though, as linebacker Tre Freeman and defensive backs Jaylen Stinson and Chandler Rivers are impact defenders.

Related: Grading College Football's New Coach Hires for 2024

16. Virginia

Virginia's win total (three) last year was the same as it was in 2022, but coach Tony Elliott's squad showed signs of progress. The Cavaliers lost five games by one score and defeated two bowl teams (North Carolina and Duke).

Taking the next step and earning a bowl trip in '24 will hinge on how far Virginia can improve a defense that ranked last in the ACC in points allowed (33.8 a game) and surrendered 6.1 yards a snap. With eight starters back, improvement should be within reach, especially with safety Antonio Clary returning from injury, and a full year from end Kam Butler after missing most of '23. Linebacker Kam Robinson is a rising star, and safety Jonas Sanker is an Athlon Sports All-American for '24.

Go-to receiver Malik Washington (110 catches) will be missed, but the Cavaliers are trending up on this side of the ball. In ACC games, Elliott's offense improved its scoring average by about a touchdown from '22 to last year. Quarterbacks Anthony Colandrea and Tony Muskett will battle to start once again, with Malachi Fields poised to fill Washington's role as the top target on the outside. Notre Dame transfer Chris Tyree adds another playmaker at receiver, but for this offense to click, the ground game (led by Kobe Pace) and offensive line must show big-time progress.

Related: ACC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2024

17. Stanford

The Cardinal rank No. 17 among ACC teams in Athlon's projections, but it wouldn't be a surprise if coach Troy Taylor's team exceeds this prediction. After a major roster overhaul last year and some growing pains in 2023, Stanford looks poised to take a step forward in '24.

Quarterback Ashton Daniels returns, but he will be pushed by true freshman Elijah Brown. Elic Ayomanor is among the ACC's top returning receivers after a 1,000-yard season, with Tiger Bachmeier (36 catches) and tight end Sam Roush rounding out a strong set of options in the passing game. However, Stanford's offensive line needs to show marked improvement after giving up 41 sacks last year.

Improvement on defense also looms large in Stanford's aim to get to a bowl in '24. The Cardinal surrendered 38 points a game and allowed 6.6 yards a snap in Pac-12 contests last season. Seven starters are back, and coordinator Bobby April II has pieces to work with, including edge rusher David Bailey, linebackers Tristan Sinclair and Gaethan Bernadel, and cornerback Collin Wright.

Steven Lassan is the senior college football writer and editor for AthlonSports.com. Follow him on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .

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