ACC Football: Preseason 2026 Power Rankings

NCAAF College Football
August 6, 2026
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Fall practice for the 2026 college football season is underway, which means the start of the year with actual games in Week Zero on Aug. 29 and then again in Week 1 isn't far behind. With the '26 season right around the corner, it's time to power rank all 17 teams in the ACC.

Miami is still seeking its first ACC title since joining the conference in 2004. However, the Hurricanes are a heavy favorite to win the conference crown in ‘26. Coach Mario Cristobal’s team returns a standout defense and an offense loaded with firepower behind quarterback Darian Mensah. SMU and Louisville headline the second tier of teams behind Miami, with Clemson, Virginia Tech and Virginia up next. The ACC doesn’t lack intrigue down the rankings either, as Florida State and North Carolina aim to rebound after disappointing ‘25 campaigns.

How do the 17 teams in the conference stack up this fall? Athlon Sports power ranks the ACC teams for 2026.

Making a bowl game in coach Tavita Pritchard’s first season will be challenging with question marks surrounding the upside of Stanford’s offense and quarterback play. Linebacker Matt Rose is one of the ACC’s top returning defenders.

After last year’s 2-10 debacle, the pressure is high on coach Bill O’Brien to turn things around in 2026. Transfer quarterback Mason McKenzie (Saginaw Valley State) is intriguing. Veteran coordinator Ted Roof is tasked with improving a defense that allowed 32.8 points per game last year.

Quarterback Steve Angeli’s return from an Achilles tear, along with the hire of Vince Kehres as the team’s new defensive coordinator, should help Syracuse get back on track after last year’s 3-9 record.

Will the Tar Heels take a step forward in coach Bill Belichick’s second season in Chapel Hill? Contending for a bowl will hinge on how much the offense improves behind new coordinator Bobby Petrino.

The January departure of quarterback Darian Mensah was a major setback for coach Manny Diaz’s team. San Jose State transfer Walker Eget provides a steady veteran option to push freshman Dan Mahan for the starting job. Running back Nate Sheppard is one of college football’s most underrated players entering 2026.

The Demon Deacons exceeded all expectations in coach Jake Dickert’s debut last season with a 9-4 record. With eight starters back, Wake Forest’s defense should be among the best in the ACC. If Dickert and coordinator Rob Ezell can help quarterback Gio Lopez rebound after an up-and-down 2025 season at North Carolina, the Demon Deacons can outperform this ranking.

It’s a make-or-break campaign for coach Mike Norvell after back-to-back losing seasons. Quarterback Ashton Daniels is one of the ACC’s top X-factors, but the Seminoles return a deep backfield and one of the nation’s top receivers in Duce Robinson. Depth on both lines of scrimmage is a question mark.

Retaining quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was huge for California’s prospects in coach Tosh Lupoi’s debut. Scoring points shouldn’t be a problem, but Lupoi has work to do on a defense that allowed 27.2 points per game last year.

With a favorable schedule and the return of quarterback CJ Bailey, the Wolfpack could be a surprise contender in the ACC this fall. Restocking the receiving corps for Bailey, along with improvement on defense, headline the list of fall practice priorities for coach Dave Doeren.

Quarterback Alberto Mendoza’s development under new coordinator George Godsey is the biggest area of intrigue for the Yellow Jackets this fall. The one-two punch of Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley leads a punishing ground game for coach Brent Key.

Rising star quarterback Mason Heintschel’s development is the biggest reason for optimism for coach Pat Narduzzi’s team in 2026. Restocking the receiving corps and reloading a defense returning five starters top the areas of intrigue this fall.

The Cavaliers were one of college football’s biggest surprises last season with an 11-3 record and appearance in the ACC Championship Game. Coach Tony Elliott’s team has a few holes to fill with just eight returning starters. However, quarterback Beau Pribula brings experience to the offense, and the line should be among the best in the ACC.

Related: ACC Predictions for 2026

Expect the Hokies to rank among the most-improved power conference teams this season. New coach James Franklin should immediately push Virginia Tech back into contention for a spot in the top 25, especially with Penn State transfer quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer following him to Blacksburg.

Will the Tigers rebound in 2026 after a disappointing 7-6 record last season? Coach Dabo Swinney used the transfer portal more than he has in previous years to fill holes on both sides of the ball. Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore return as two of the top receivers in the ACC, but the development of quarterbacks Christopher Vizzina and Tait Reynolds will be firmly in the spotlight this fall.

Running back Isaac Brown returns as one of the top playmakers in college football after an injury limited him to 101 carries last season. Ohio State transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz should upgrade the passing attack for coach Jeff Brohm. The Sept. 19 contest versus SMU could decide which team faces Miami in the ACC Championship Game.

It’s a tight battle between Louisville and SMU for the No. 2 spot behind Miami in the ACC power rankings. Quarterback Kevin Jennings headlines a dynamic Mustangs’ offense, but coach Rhett Lashlee’s defense is rebuilding with just four starters back.

The Hurricanes are the clear No. 1 team in the ACC entering 2026. After a close loss to Indiana in the national championship last year, coach Mario Cristobal’s team is poised for another title run behind transfer quarterback Darian Mensah (Duke) and one of the nation’s top defenses.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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