There was something special about waking up in the Queen City this morning, picking up my media credentials, and walking into a huge room where the heartbeat of ACC football was alive. Today, I spent the day at the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, North Carolina, held at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown, and it was everything a young journalist could have asked for.
From shaking hands with fellow media members and team representatives to hearing from the top coaches and players across the ACC, the experience was a reminder of why I love what I do and why college football holds a unique place in American sports.
A Full Day of Energy and Insight
The lineup today was impressive, with head coaches and players from Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, and NC State taking the stage to share insights and preview their seasons. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney brought the usual humor and determination we’ve come to expect, speaking about the Tigers’ expectations for 2025 and the continued growth of the program.
But if I had to pick a standout moment outside of Clemson, it would be Virginia Tech’s session with Head Coach Brent Pry and quarterback Kyron Drones. Pry’s energy was contagious, speaking with fire about the Hokies’ culture and what it means to play for Virginia Tech. Drones followed with a confident yet humble demeanor, emphasizing a team-first mentality that you can’t help but root for, regardless of your ACC allegiance.
Also, there was a different level of buzz in the room when Bill Belichick, now the head coach at North Carolina, took the podium wearing Carolina blue. It was surreal watching one of the greatest coaches of all time, with his understated but commanding presence, step into the ACC world and talk about the journey ahead with UNC football. Hearing Belichick talk about building culture, player development, and why he chose Chapel Hill at this stage in his career was simply amazing. It’s not every day you get to witness history in a conference you cover, and today was one of those days I’ll never forget as well.
A Setup Built for Football Fans
The Hilton Charlotte Uptown was filled with excitement, from media members preparing for interviews to camera crews capturing content for networks across the country. One of the coolest parts was the trophy display, featuring the ACC Championship trophy and the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy, providing a visual reminder of what every team in the conference is chasing.
The event also featured mannequins showcasing every ACC team’s full jersey and helmet setup, making it a true celebration of the conference’s identity. It was a reminder of the diversity and pride each program brings to the ACC.
Food, Games, and Community
It’s not every day you get to cover your favorite sport while enjoying a provided breakfast and lunch with fellow media members and staff, and the hospitality today was top-notch. The event also featured an EA Sports gaming station where media members could play the newly released EA Sports College Football 26, a fun break between interviews that added to the excitement of the day. Very nice touch from the ACC to add this to the event.
Why ACC Kickoff Matters
Events like ACC Kickoff are about more than just soundbites and preseason predictions. They’re about community—about young journalists, like myself, getting opportunities, about coaches sharing their vision, and about players stepping into leadership roles. It’s about the stories that will unfold over the next few months as teams fight for an ACC Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Today was a reminder of why I love covering Clemson and why I’m grateful for opportunities like this. From the excitement in the room to the stories shared, it was a day that left me inspired and energized for the 2025 college football season.
Stay Tuned to Tiger View Media
I’m incredibly thankful to represent Tiger View Media at events like the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, and I don’t take these opportunities for granted. I’m excited to bring you stories throughout the week that I had a chance to collect from Charlotte, including insights from Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and player interviews, analysis of where the Tigers stand in the ACC, and stories with lots of passion behind them.
If today was any indication, this season is going to be one to remember. Stay tuned to Tiger View Media for your Clemson football coverage and ACC insights all season long. Talking season is almost over and it’s about time to spot the ball.
