Why the ACC Has the Most to Prove in 2025

Introduction
The 2025 college football season is a crossroads for the Atlantic Coast Conference. After a year
in which the ACC sent two teams to the College Football Playoff but still faced questions about
its depth and national relevance, the league enters the new campaign with more at stake than
any other Power Four conference. Can the ACC finally shake its “second-tier” label, or will 2025
reinforce the narrative that it lags behind the SEC and Big Ten? Here’s why the ACC has the
most to prove this fall.

The 2024 Recap: Progress, But Not Respect

Last season, the ACC made headlines by sending both Clemson and SMU to the expanded
College Football Playoff. Yet, the league’s overall bowl record was mediocre, and its top teams
struggled against elite non-conference opponents. The perception persists: the ACC is
top-heavy, with a few contenders and a soft middle and bottom.
Source: College Football Network.

2025: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

1. National Perception and Playoff Pressure
The ACC’s reputation is on the line. With the SEC and Big Ten expanding and dominating the
playoff conversation, the ACC must prove it can consistently produce national title
contenders—not just playoff participants.

Source: CBS Sports

2. Conference Realignment and Stability
With ongoing rumors about realignment and the financial gap widening between the ACC and
its rivals, a strong 2025 showing is crucial for the league’s long-term stability. If the ACC falters,
member schools could face renewed pressure to seek greener pastures.

3. Coaching Changes and New Blood

The ACC welcomes high-profile coaching changes in 2025, including Bill Belichick at North
Carolina and Frank Reich at Stanford (now an ACC member). These moves bring attention—but
also scrutiny. Can these coaches deliver immediate results and raise the league’s profile?
Source: College Football Network

Team-by-Team Outlook: Who Can Carry the Banner?

Clemson Tigers
● 2024: Playoff appearance, but fell short of a title.
● 2025 Outlook: Projected as the ACC’s best hope for a national championship. Cade
Klubnik returns at quarterback, and the defense is loaded with NFL talent.
○ Best Case: 12-0, playoff lock, national title contender.
○ Worst Case: 9-3, miss the playoff, questions about Dabo Swinney’s ability to
adapt.
CBS Sports

Miami Hurricanes

● 2024: Best season under Mario Cristobal, but missed the playoff.
● 2025 Outlook: Miami is projected to win 9.7 games (tied with Clemson), thanks to
Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck and a defense returning more than half its production.
○ Best Case: CFP breakthrough, restoring “The U” to national prominence.
○ Worst Case: Another near-miss, fueling doubts about Cristobal’s ceiling.

SMU Mustangs

North Carolina Tar Heels

● 2025 Outlook: All eyes are on Bill Belichick’s debut as head coach. The Tar Heels are
projected for 6-7 wins, but expectations are sky-high for a quick turnaround.
Sports Illustrated

Florida State Seminoles

● 2024: Disaster season (2-10), but major staff and roster overhaul.
● 2025 Outlook: Projected for 6 wins, FSU is in full rebuild mode. A quick bounce-back is
essential for Mike Norvell’s job security and the league’s image.

Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech

● All three are projected for bowl eligibility and could play spoiler, but none are seen as
true playoff threats.
College Football Network

Key Stats and Rankings

● ESPN FPI Projections:
○ Miami: 9.7 wins
○ Clemson: 9.7 wins
○ SMU: 8.5 wins
○ Virginia Tech: 7.9 wins
○ Florida State: 6.0 wins

● Power Rankings: Clemson and Miami are the only ACC teams in most preseason top
15s. The rest of the league is fighting for respect and bowl eligibility.

What the Experts Say
● “The ACC is extremely top-heavy this fall, with the potential for some teams to be left
behind.”

“The conference features a couple of teams with College Football Playoff aspirations, but
also plenty of squads that could be straddling the line for bowl eligibility.”

Conclusion: The ACC’s Defining Year

The ACC’s 2025 season is about more than wins and losses—it’s about national relevance,
financial stability, and the future of the conference. With Clemson and Miami carrying the
banner, and new coaching stars in the mix, the league has a chance to change the narrative.
But if the ACC falters, it risks falling further behind in the ever-evolving college football
landscape. No conference has more to prove this fall.