ACC Preseason Rankings & Preview: Duke Remains Top DOG, With UNC & Miami Close Behind
By Rob Reinhart
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) heads into the 2025–26 college basketball season brimming with anticipation and intrigue. With 18 teams now competing in the league, the ACC continues to balance its rich tradition of powerhouse programs with exciting newcomers eager to make their mark.
This season, the league will test depth, coaching strategies, and the ability of teams to adapt quickly, making it one of the most unpredictable and compelling conferences in the nation. Fans can expect a mix of high-flying offense, tough defensive battles, and a few surprise performances that could shake up the standings as March approaches.
Here's a breakdown of the projected standings and key storylines:
2025–26 ACC — Projected Standings & NCAA Outlook
Full 18-team ACC outlook for the 2025–26 season, now including SMU, Cal, Stanford, Georgia Tech, and Notre Dame.
| Rank | Team | Conf. Record | Projected Seed | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke | 17–3 | #1 Seed | Lock | Loaded with NBA talent; deep and balanced roster leads the ACC again. |
| 2 | North Carolina | 15–5 | #3 Seed | Lock | Strong veteran presence; top-tier guard play drives success. |
| 3 | Miami (FL) | 13–7 | #6 Seed | Lock | Dynamic offense and experienced guards keep Miami competitive. |
| 4 | Virginia | 12–8 | #8 Seed | Likely Lock | Disciplined defense and low mistakes define their play once again. |
| 5 | Clemson | 11–9 | #10 Seed | Bubble – In | Solid mix of shooters and experience; late-season surge expected. |
| 6 | Wake Forest | 10–10 | #11 Seed (Play-In) | Bubble – Out/In | Good offensive ceiling but streaky defense could be costly. |
| 7 | Florida State | 9–11 | NIT 2-seed | Long-shot Bubble | Size and athleticism remain elite, but consistency is a concern. |
| 8 | Virginia Tech | 9–11 | NIT 3-seed | Outside Bubble | Can score efficiently but lacks defensive edge to make NCAA cut. |
| 9 | NC State | 8–12 | — | Rebuilding | Roster turnover makes postseason chances slim. |
| 10 | SMU | 8–12 | NIT 4-seed | Outside Bubble | Adjusting to ACC play; athletic and well-coached but depth is limited. |
| 11 | Georgia Tech | 7–13 | — | Rebuilding | Returning talent has potential, but consistency is lacking in ACC play. |
| 12 | Pitt | 7–13 | — | Rebuilding | Scrappy defensively, but lacking consistent scoring options. |
| 13 | Notre Dame | 6–14 | — | Bottom Tier | Roster young but talented; still adjusting to ACC competition. |
| 14 | Syracuse | 6–14 | — | Bottom Tier | Young talent developing under Autry; growing pains expected. |
| 15 | Boston College | 5–15 | — | Bottom Tier | Hard-nosed group but not enough offensive power. |
| 16 | Louisville | 5–15 | — | Bottom Tier | Still rebuilding; flashes of promise but far from competing. |
| 17 | Stanford | 4–16 | — | Bottom Tier | Intelligent, disciplined team — but major athletic gap in ACC play. |
| 18 | California | 3–17 | — | Bottom Tier | Facing a tough adjustment; likely rebuilding for multiple seasons. |
Note: This includes all 18 ACC teams. Newcomers SMU, Cal, Stanford, Georgia Tech, and Notre Dame face adjustment periods; Duke and UNC remain dominant.
Championship Contenders
Duke enters the season as the favorite, boasting a roster filled with talent. Sophomore wing Isaiah Evans and freshman forward Cameron Boozer are expected to lead the team, with strong support from Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba.
North Carolina has undergone a transformation, focusing on size and depth. Seth Trimble returns as a key player, and the influx of freshmen like Luka Bogavac and Caleb Wilson brings excitement to the roster.
Tournament Locks
Virginia looks to rebound under new head coach Ryan Odom. The team has revamped its offense, bringing in transfers Malik Thomas and Sam Lewis, along with freshman forward Thijs De Ridder. The frontcourt will be anchored by Ugonna Onyenso.
Clemson returns a solid core and aims to stay competitive in the conference. The team will rely on experienced players to maintain its position in the standings.
Bubble Watch
Louisville is poised to challenge for the top spot. The addition of transfer Ryan Conwell from Xavier, along with Isaac McKneely from Virginia, strengthens their backcourt significantly. Freshman guard Mikel Brown adds depth and scoring ability.
Wake Forest, Pitt, and Notre Dame are expected to be in the mix for mid-tier positions. Each team has strengths but will need to address specific areas to improve their standings.
Georgia Tech is in a rebuilding phase but has the potential to surprise with a few upsets.
Boston College has added talent with the commitment of 4-star point guard Trey Beamer, which could boost their performance this season.
SMU is a newcomer to the ACC but is expected to make an immediate impact. Kevin Miller and BJ Edwards provide experience in the backcourt, while Samet Yigitoglu and Jaron Pierre offer scoring and rebounding in the frontcourt.
Rebuild Zone
NC State has made significant strides, with Darrion Williams transferring from Texas Tech to lead the team. The backcourt, featuring Tre Holloman and Quadir Copeland, adds depth and versatility.
Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Cal, Stanford, and Wake Forest are in various stages of rebuilding. While they may face challenges, these programs are laying the groundwork for future success.