As the 2025-26 college football season concludes, it is only appropriate to look ahead to fall 2026 for some way-too-early ACC season predictions.

Miami — This team is loaded with talent on both lines of scrimmage. The Hurricanes have drastically improved over the past few years. Recruiting through the portal and high school has paid dividends for head coach Mario Cristobal and company. Despite losing Carson Beck and several other key pieces following a loss in the 2025 National Championship, the Hurricanes will look to dominate the ACC next year.

Clemson — Clemson will spring back to life next season. With the overhaul of players from the portal on defense, this team will look a lot better than last season’s 7-6 outing.

SMU — Expect SMU to be in ACC title contention. This team has won consistently under head coach Rhett Lashlee and will be a tough out in any game next season.

Wake Forest — This team overachieved in 2025, with head coach Jake Dickert winning nine games with the Demon Deacons. Wake Forest should be on every ACC team’s radar, especially considering that they upset many ACC contenders last season.

Pittsburgh — Pitt was a late-season surprise in the 2025 season and nearly found itself playing for an ACC title. With a star quarterback in Mason Heintschel and a solid defense, the Panthers are a legitimate ACC title threat.

Georgia Tech — The Yellow Jackets came so close last year to an ACC title, until Pitt came along. Look for head coach Brent Key’s team to give ACC teams scrimmage battles this upcoming season.

Louisville — The Cardinals are without quarterback Miller Moss and several other key contributors from their nine-win season last year. Expect a build-back year for Louisville.

Virginia Tech — The Hokies’ new head coach, James Franklin, brings much-needed experience and guts to a program that desperately needs it. Look for VT to at least make a bowl game this season.

Virginia — A true surprise last year, UVA fell one play short of the College Football Playoff. Head coach Tony Elliott will still have good players on the roster, but without quarterback Chandler Morris, expect fewer than the 11-win total from last season.

California — Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is for real. Cal has a serious standout at quarterback with Sagapolutele. Will this team improve on 2025’s 7-6 record? An early home game against Clemson will surely tell.

NC State — Head coach Dave Doeren is a proven winner at NC State. The Wolfpack is phenomenal at home, giving them all the potential to reach another bowl game.

Duke — The Blue Devils, the reigning ACC champions, are losing quarterback Darian Mensah to the portal. Head coach Manny Diaz typically coaches good defenses, but nonetheless, expect a step back from Duke this season.

Florida State — This season is now or never for head coach Mike Norvell. The Seminoles must find some magic if they even hope to reach ACC title contention again, but it doesn’t look likely.

Stanford — Stanford has a new head coach this year in Tavita Pritchard. A bowl game is plausible, but unlikely.

Syracuse — After last year’s disappointing season for head coach Fran Brown, it is intriguing to see if Brown can replicate another nine or 10-win season like his first year at the helm.

North Carolina — UNC struggled under head coach Bill Belichick in his first season. This coming season, expect a little improvement, but not much.

Boston College — With a new head coach and key players departing, Boston College will most likely not see a lot of success this season.