We are closing in on the start of the 2026 college football season. Chatter all summer has centered around Miami being heavy favorites to win the ACC. The Hurricanes were the class of the conference in 2025 before coming up one game short of a national title. I see no reason for things to be much different this season.
With week zero a week away, it is time to break down the Atlantic Coast Conference 1-16. From key players, stars returning, and teams biggest questions heading into the 2026-2027 season.
Miami has a new quarterback, Darian Mensah, a transfer from Duke who was named ACC Preseason Player of the Year. His favorite receiver will be first team All-American Malachi Toney.
Word has it that Miami has lots of money, an important factor in the age of NIL That led to an impressive group of newcomers. The biggest question facing the Hurricanes will be how Mensah adapts to big-time football.
In years past, I would pick Clemson next. Not anymore. I have Louisville at No. 2 and SMU at No. 3.
Louisville is a ranked team that has improved annually ever since Jeff Brohm took over the program three years back. Brohm will be working with a new quarterback in Lincoln Kienholz. The Ohio State transfer.will need a fast start to keep the Cardinals in contention.
SMU is getting better annually and are a top-20 team. The Mustangs also have a very good offense led by quarterback Kevin Jennings. If the defense improves SMU could give Miami a run for their money, and we know Miami has money.
What about Clemson you ask? I do think the Tigers will be better in 2026. I think Dabo Swinney is still a great coach and I think he can turn this team around quickly. Look for the defense to lead the way with linebacker Sammy Brown being the defensive playmaker.
Thus far, I have not mentioned a North Carolina school. I do think NC State could be a surprise team this year. Quarterback C.J. Bailey will be the Wolfpacks’ showcase player on offense and he could emerge as the best signalcaller in the conference.
I really do not see Duke, Wake Forest, or UNC making any waves in conference play.
The talent level drop between the top and bottom of the ACC is immense. Miami will take advantage of this and win the league and a playoff spot. This Hurricane team has a chance at a National Title.
