Another July is here, which means we’re flipping through the TV, refreshing X, and listening to too many “way-too-early” projections from everyone while the grill is still hot and the season is still a daydream.
But that daydream is getting closer.
Because when August hits, the 2025 college football season will bring some real storylines worth tracking, especially in the ACC, where Clemson looks ready to defend its perch at the top while others fight to prove they belong.
Here are my thoughts on the 2025 ACC season before heading to Charlotte on Thursday for the ACC Football Kickoff.
Clemson’s Expectations: Offseason Full of Hype
Let’s be clear: Clemson is coming into 2025 with the pressure that only comes when you’re expected to win the league. After last season’s improvements under Garrett Riley’s offense and a new look defense under new DC Tom Allen, the Tigers have a real chance to punch their ticket back to the CFP this season.
The quarterback room is stable with Cade Klubnik leading the charge, the defensive line is deep with players who look to be playing on Sunday’s, and a healthy, hungry roster is back in Death Valley. Anything less than an ACC title will feel like a disappointment, and Clemson’s got the pieces to get it done. Everywhere you look, the Tigers have firepower at every position on its roster. This season of Clemson Football is shaping up to be something special, but now it’s almost time to go out and prove it.
Georgia Tech & Louisville: The Threats to Watch
If there’s a team that might sneak up and make Clemson sweat, it’s Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have quietly stacked a solid roster, and with their offense, lead by veteran QB Haynes King, getting more dynamic under their new system, don’t be surprised if they’re hanging around in November with only one or two losses.
Louisville sits right there, too, with the kind of roster that can win 9-10 games if things break right. Their lines are deeper than people realize, and their home environment gives them an edge in tight games.
Clemson will have to go on the road to play both of these teams too with the Louisville game being on a Friday night. Don’t panic Tiger fans but I wouldn’t take the Yellow Jackets or Cardinals too lightly this season.
Miami & SMU: Can They Prove It?
Miami is always “back” until it isn’t, but this year they have fewer excuses with a manageable schedule, a veteran defense, and also Georgia transfer Carson Beck under center. If the Canes can find consistent QB play from Beck, they can be in the top 4 mix.
SMU steps in with real ambition, ready to prove that their showing of last season wasn’t just a fluke. With Kevin Jennings back at QB after a year in the ACC, they won’t be an easy out, and if they pull off an early upset, momentum could carry them to a top-5 ACC finish. The Mustangs do have a tougher ACC schedule this season but they could very well navigate through it.
Middle of the Pack: The Chaos Zone
From Virginia Tech to North Carolina, these teams will beat each other up, steal wins from contenders, and knock someone out of the ACC title hunt.
NC State and UNC both have talent but with some questionable quarterback situations. Virginia has quietly recruited well and Tony Elliot’s team could be sneaky solid. Syracuse is never a sleeper in the ACC either after what we saw last season with them upsetting Miami to propel Clemson to the ACC title game, and Pitt remains a mystery, fully capable of beating a contender in a rainy, ugly game.
Florida State, Cal, Stanford, Duke: Step Back or Step Forward?
It’s weird still seeing Florida State this low, but this projection assumes another possible rebuild year after a tough 2024 campaign. Cal and Stanford are still adapting to ACC travel and depth challenges, while Duke does have some promise with Darian Mensah coming over from Tulane to lead the offense.
Boston College, Wake Forest: The Bottom Tier
Boston College and Wake Forest will fight, but depth and talent gaps could have them at the bottom of the standings in 2025. Wake is still looking for some life, and BC lost a bunch of talent on the defense side of the ball from last season.
My Projected ACC Finish Order & Why
1. Clemson – Best roster, best culture, a favorable schedule, and CFP-or-bust mindset.
2. Georgia Tech – Sneaky strong roster, favorable schedule, momentum building.
3. Louisville – Deep, tough, with a manageable path to 9-10 wins.
4. Miami (FL) – Talent is there, but consistency remains the question.
5. SMU – Hungry and innovative enough to grab a top-5 finish in year two.
6. Virginia Tech – Physical team, building consistency.
7. Virginia – Depth is improving, offense will be better.
8. NC State – Talent but question marks all over.
9. North Carolina – QB question marks, Bill Belichick’s first year in Chapel Hill.
10. Syracuse – Tough, scrappy, but still depth issues.
11. Pittsburgh – Tough ACC schedule, but very capable of surprises.
12. Florida State – another possible rough year.
13. California – Still adapting, some talent gaps.
14. Stanford – Same as Cal.
15. Duke – Offensive question marks, tough ACC schedule.
16. Boston College – Rebuilding with limited high-end talent.
17. Wake Forest – Lacking spark, depth issues.
The Season Ahead
The beauty of college football is that all of this might go sideways by October, and that’s why we love it.
But heading into 2025, Clemson has every reason to believe an ACC Championship and a trip back to the College Football Playoff are on the table. The rest of the ACC will fight to be the spoiler, the surprise contender, or the chaos agent that defines a season.
Fall Saturdays are almost back. Get your tailgate gear ready. It’s almost time for some college football.
