College Football is nearly here. Whether you’re more of a College Gameday fan or a Big Noon Kickoff kinda guy, the action on the field is all the same and we want to make sure you’re ready for it. There is plenty to be pumped for this season and after an exciting and successful first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, fans from all over are excited to root on their teams and hope they can cash their ticket to the postseason. Of course, some fans are just hoping their team will be bowl eligible. Here’s our 2025 ACC football preview.
Last Year
The 2024 ACC football season delivered in the ACC as we saw some typical powerhouses make a splash while newcomers also turned some heads. SMU joined the league and immediately made an impact by reaching the championship game after going undefeated in conference play. Clemson returned to the title game, showing steady form as usual. Miami’s Cam Ward led the country in passing touchdowns and QBR, which kept the Hurricanes in the spotlight. Four ACC teams landed in the AP Top 25 late in the year, while 14 teams reached bowl eligibility. Without divisions, each win carried extra weight and many games were close, as half decided by eight points or fewer. The ACC proved to be deep and competitive from start to finish.
What to Watch
I want to see who will challenge Clemson for the ACC Championship this season. I believe that the Tigers will be in the College Football Playoff, and the Tigers should have their best team in a couple of years. But there are so many good “Tier 2” teams and I am wondering if the 12-team playoff can reward them this season. The teams that I can’t wait to watch are Miami, Louisville, SMU, and Georgia Tech.
Miami lost Cam Ward but went out and paid Carson Beck big NIL money to be under center this season. Louisville was right there last season before a disappointing finish but should make some noise. SMU has all the money in the world, and they are going to have a seat at the table for years to come. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech QB Haynes King is one of my favorite players in the country and should be able to get an upset win or two this season.
Heisman Candidate
Kevin Jennings might be my favorite player to watch in the ACC. SMU’s quarterback can do a little bit of everything and I think he is going to take his College Football Playoff debut and use it as fuel this season to get his name into the Heisman conversation.
The more polished pick would be Cade Klubnik who has the experience and reps to finally put together this best season for the Tigers and get an invite to the first row in New York.
Prediction
I am predicting Clemson to beat Miami in the ACC Championship game. Dabo Swinney has all the talent in the world and should have his Tigers near a perfect season in the ACC. Mario Cristobal has no excuses after the Miami donors continue to pour money into his program.