2025 College Football Predictions: Atlantic Coast Conference

I think most people know that I am usually a bit biased against the ACC. The past few years, I have argued that they are not much better than the AAC, and should not be considered at the same level as the Big Ten, SEC, or even the Big XII. But I think I was wrong, and I believe the ACC will have a strong year.

Clemson is one of the top teams in the country, and I believe Cade Klubnik will finally live up to the hype (he started to at the end of last season). They kick off the season against LSU, and if they can win that one, they should cruise for a few weeks until they play SMU, but honestly, I think that will be an easy game for them. If they get to the end of the year undefeated, they have South Carolina, and I just do not see the Tigers losing that game if it means a potential top four spot in the playoffs. 

Miami and SMU will compete for that second spot, and could each earn ten wins. The Mustangs still have Kevin Jennings, and the Hurricanes now have Carson Beck. Should be some exciting QB match-ups in the ACC this year. 

The most intriguing team is Georgia Tech. They bring back Haynes King and Jamal Haynes. I felt like last year they could potentially be a 9+ win team, but they had some injuries, and a stretch of poor play. Hopefully this season they can stay healthy and compete with the big boys. I would love to see them upset Georgia at the end of the season.

Hot Seat: I think there are two coaches whose jobs are in jeopardy this year: Brent Pry at Virginia Tech and Pat Narduzzi at Pitt. Pry is 16-21 since 2022, and that is unacceptable for the Hokies. Fortunately for him, they did go 6-7 last year, and it looks like they could be turning the corner. Narduzzi…they started 7-0 last year, and finished 7-6. Not good. I think his job is pretty safe, but if they lose to WVU, and end the season on another losing streak (they finish the regular season with Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, and Miami), the fans will be calling for his job. Beat the Mountaineers, and that will keep his job safe.

New Face: Jake Dickert left Washington State for Wake Forest. I guess there was more money involved. I realize not being in a conference probably hurt the Cougars chances of retaining Dickert, but Wake Forest? It just feels like a lateral move at best. Good for the Demon Deacons, Dickert is a good coach.