The ACC is the only Power 5 Conference that will not have any changes over the next few years and has built itself up from within. For years it was Clemson and then everybody else, but the Tigers opened a door for the competition last season with their early season struggles. Nine of the 14 schools boast upperclassmen quarterbacks that have successfully won ball games. Sam Hartman (Wake Forest-though he's out for a non-football injury) probably has the highest draft stock, but D.J. Uiagalelei (Clemson) and Malik Cunningham (Louisville) could be the most dynamic playmakers. They'll get a chance to take on the SEC nine times, with Florida State and Georgia Tech squaring off twice against the top conference.
Here's a complete breakdown by division (though these could be eliminated next season):
Atlantic
Clemson
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (150-36, 15th Season)
Last Year Rank: 21 (10-3)
Preseason Rank: 13
Prediction: 11-1
After a rough start, the Tigers rattled off six straight wins to close out the season. They look to take that confidence into a much easier season opener when they open with Georgia Tech in Atlanta. D.J. Uiagalelei figured it out in the second half and the offense was much more potent. Clemson gets a lot of tough games in Death Valley, but one date stands out in November when the Tigers head to South Bend for a late-season showdown against the Irish that could decide both teams' playoff fate. There will be a new voice on the defensive side of the ball as DC Brent Venables left to be the head coach at Oklahoma, so Wes Goodwin takes on the role in 2022.
Wake Forest
Head Coach: Dave Clawson (51-48, 9th Season)
LYR: 17 (11-3)
PR: 17
Prediction: 8-4
The Demon Deacons were dealt a huge blow right before the season started when Sam Hartman was evaluated for a non-football-related medical issue that may cause him to miss significant time. Wake Forest was a dark horse to win the division with Hartman, but if he can't play, it could alter their course.
NCST
Head Coach: Dave Doeren (64-49, 10th Season)
LYR: 25 (9-3)
PR: 21
Prediction: 10-2
The expectations are high for a Wolfpack team that took down Clemson last season, but couldn't upend Wake Forest to earn an appearance in the ACC title game. Devin Leary leads an offense that scored 30 points or more 8 times last season. The defense brings back nine of their 11 starters from last season.
Boston College
Head Coach: Jeff Hafley (12-11, 3rd Season)
LYR: 71 (6-6)
PR: 50
Prediction: 8-4
The Eagles started off fast winning their first four but slumped to a 2-6 record to finish the season. A lot of talent returns on offense including Phil Jurkovec and three of his top receivers. The Eagles could play the role of the spoiler if they can get things clicking.
Florida State
Head Coach: Mike Norvell (8-13, 3rd Season)
LYR: 87 (5-7)
PR: 53
Prediction: 7-5
The Seminoles should be markedly better this season and Jordan Travis looks to make the transition into one of the ACC's best. He'll get a bunch of new receivers from the transfer portal, but he's always a threat to use his feet. FSU boasts the toughest schedule in the Conference with a trip to LSU (New Orleans) and a visit from Florida. Even their paycheck game is no layup as the Ragin' Cajuns visit Tallahassee in the second to last week.
Louisville
Head Coach: Scott Satterfield (18-19, 4th Season)
LYR: 79 (6-7)
PR: 58
Prediction: 7-5
The Cardinals have faded back towards the middle of the pack since Scott Satterfield took over and that's a shame because it's meant that Malik Cunningham isn't a household name. Cunningham threw for nearly 3,000 yards and ran for over 1,000 to lead the offense, but he'll look to focus on being more of a pass-first QB to help get better results. The last three weeks look brutal as they face NCST, Clemson, and Kentucky.
Syracuse
Head Coach: Dino Babers (29-43, 7th Season)
LYR: 88 (5-7)
PR: 85
Prediction: 4-8
The seat is hot in Syracuse for Babers as he enters year seven and the AD must hate him with the schedule they are set to play. After Oct. 15 the Orange only play two home games, but those come against Notre Dame and Florida State. That stretch also includes trips to Clemson, Wake Forest, Pitt, and Boston College. Best get that resume ready Dino.
Coastal
Pitt
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi (53-37, 8th Season)
LYR: 16 (11-3)
PR: 23
Prediction: 9-3
The Panthers seemed to have found a suitable replacement for Kenny Pickett, but the question is, will it be Nick Patti or USC transfer Kedon Slovis? Maybe Narduzzi can think about that instead of complaining about how he didn't have Pickett in the Peach Bowl. The Panthers renew one of my favorite Big East rivalries when they host West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. They follow that game up with a visit from Tennessee and then head to Kalamazoo to avenge the 44-41 loss to the Broncos last year.
Miami
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal (1st Season)
LYR: 50 (7-5)
PR: 28
Prediction: 10-2
It's been since 2003 that the Hurricanes claimed a conference championship when they shared the Big East title, but with new head coach Cristobal, they could be back on the path to glory. Tyler Van Dyke leads the offense after winning ACC Newcomer of the Year and will have plenty of familiar faces from the young group that found success late in the season. Cristobal has a history of changing programs in the Miami area as he led FIU to their first-ever bowl appearance and victory after winning just one game in his first season.
Virginia
Head Coach: Tony Elliott (1st Season)
LYR: 70 (6-6)
PR: 42
Prediction: 9-3
The Cavaliers have a great shot at becoming bowl eligible in just seven weeks. The schedule is extremely soft and the tough games are all at home with the exception of their season-ending trip to Blacksburg. Brennan Armstrong returns under center and hopes to bring Tony Elliott success in his first season.
UNC
Head Coach: Mack Brown (21-17, 4th Season/14th overall)
LYR: 73 (6-7)
PR: 49
Prediction: 7-5
The hype is over in Chapel Hill and now the seat might be getting hot for Mack Brown. In his return to North Carolina, he was expected to challenge for the Coastal crown each year, but that hasn't been the case. The quarterback situation isn't a lock, but most of the receiving corps is back and British Brooks returns to carry the ball for the fifth season.
Virginia Tech
LYR: 78 (6-7)
PR: 73
Prediction: 6-6
Nothing was more awkward than Brent Pry being interviewed during the Pinstripe Bowl while Maryland was scoring at will in a 54-10 beatdown. The defense that got torched returns a lot of starters, but the offensive cupboard is a bit bare. It could be a rough year for the Hokies.
Georgia Tech
Head Coach: Geoff Collins (9-25, 4th Season)
LYR: 108 (3-9)
PR: 98
Prediction: 4-8
Geoff Collins looks to yet another offensive coordinator after the Yellow Jackets were drubbed by a combined score of 100-0 in their final two games. Jeff Sims returns under center and can do it all if he has protection.
Duke
Head Coach: Mike Elko (1st Season)
LYR: 115 (3-9)
PR: 103
Prediction: 4-8
Elko is a defensive-minded coach, but the offense is also in need of help. The countdown to basketball season has started in Durham.
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