Another wild weekend flipped the ACC upside down. Miami and Georgia Tech both stumbled, Virginia survived again, and Louisville suddenly looks like the most balanced team in the league. With five one-loss
teams behind the Cavaliers, the race to Charlotte feels tighter than ever.
17. Boston College (1-8, 0-5 ACC)
The Eagles at least made things interesting against Notre Dame, but close doesn’t count when the season is already lost. Bill O’Brien’s second year has been full of false starts and offensive confusion. There’s a long way to go for this program to look competitive again, despite O’Brien’s assertion this week that the “sun is up.”
16. Syracuse (3-6, 1-5 ACC)
Syracuse’s offense bottomed out in its home loss to North Carolina, managing barely a pulse through the air. The defensive effort hasn’t been much better, leaving head coach Fran Brown juggling staff changes in a lost season. The Orange haven’t looked sharp since early September. At this point, moral victories are about all that’s left.
15. Stanford (3-6, 2-4 ACC)
The Cardinal couldn’t keep pace with Pitt, undone again by a stagnant rushing attack and sloppy second-half execution. Their inability to sustain drives has worn down an already thin defense. Still, there’s promise if the program can stabilize quarterback play and recruiting. For now, Stanford looks like a year away from real progress.
14. North Carolina (3-5, 1-3 ACC)
Bill Belichick finally earned his first ACC win, and it came with a side of much-needed optimism. The Tar Heels showed balance for once, and Gio Lopez looked poised under center. The defense still gives up too many chunk plays, but this team has life again. If they string together two more wins, bowl talk might return to Chapel Hill.
13. Cal (5-4, 2-3 ACC)
Cal hung around with Virginia before falling apart late. The Golden Bears’ offense remains dangerous, but the rushing game disappeared entirely, and they never found a rhythm up front. Five wins with a freshman quarterback is respectable, yet it’s hard not to think about what might’ve been. The pieces are there — just not the consistency.
12. Wake Forest (5-3, 2-3 ACC)
Wake’s lopsided loss to Florida State ended a nice stretch of momentum. The defense that stifled SMU one week earlier couldn’t get off the field this time. Still, Jake Dickert has the program on solid footing in his debut season. One more win seals bowl eligibility and validates the rebuild.
11. Virginia Tech (3-6, 2-3 ACC)
The Hokies went from promising to flat in a hurry against Louisville. A blocked punt and early safety gave them life before halftime, but the offense vanished down the stretch. Still, Kyron Drones has shown steady development under interim coach Philip Montgomery. Spoiler potential remains high with Miami and Virginia left on the schedule.
10. Florida State (4-4, 1-4 ACC)
It took 10 weeks, but the Seminoles finally picked up their first conference win — and did it convincingly. Tommy Castellanos looked healthy again, sparking an offense that finally played with urgency. Mike Norvell’s future remains uncertain, but this team isn’t quitting. The next three games will determine if he earns another year in Tallahassee.
9. Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC)
Clemson’s defense imploded at home, giving up nearly 50 to Duke. Cade Klubnik delivered his best performance of the season, but nothing else worked. Dabo Swinney’s postgame frustrations have drawn plenty of attention, though he insists he’s staying the course. Bowl eligibility now feels like the ceiling — a stunning fall for a team with tournament hopes.
8. Miami (6-2, 2-2 ACC)
Miami’s overtime collapse at SMU effectively ended its ACC title hopes. The Hurricanes again struggled with discipline, committing costly penalties and turnovers in key moments. Jojo Trader’s breakout was encouraging, but the offensive balance continues to vanish when pressure mounts. Mario Cristobal’s group has talent, but the chemistry just isn’t there.
7. NC State (5-4, 2-3 ACC)
Behind C.J. Bailey, the Wolfpack’s offense finally looked explosive, shredding Georgia Tech in one of the league’s biggest upsets. Bailey and Jayden Scott carried the load, combining for over 500 yards. It doesn’t erase the frustrations of a rocky year, but it’s a glimpse of what could come in 2026. If State keeps that duo intact, brighter days await.
6. SMU (6-3, 4-1 ACC)
The Mustangs validated their ACC credentials by outlasting Miami in overtime. Kevin Jennings played through injury, showing grit that set the tone for a tough, physical win. Rhett Lashlee’s team may not be flashy, but they’re efficient and dangerous when games tighten late. Don’t rule out another statement before season’s end.
5. Pitt (7-2, 5-1 ACC)
Pat Narduzzi’s team just keeps winning. Mason Heintschel threw for over 300 yards again, and the Panthers’ offense continues to roll behind their freshman quarterback. A bye week now gives them time to reset before Notre Dame. If they stay hot, Pitt could crash the playoff conversation by Thanksgiving.
4. Duke (5-3, 4-1 ACC)
Darian Mensah stole the show in Clemson, throwing four touchdowns and proving Duke’s offense is legit. Manny Diaz’s defense was leaky but opportunistic, and the Blue Devils’ aggressive play-calling paid off. A showdown with Virginia looms, carrying major championship implications. Few saw Duke hanging around this late — yet here they are.
3. Georgia Tech (8-1, 5-1 ACC)
The Yellow Jackets finally blinked. Haynes King was electric again, but the defense gave up nearly 600 yards in the loss to NC State. Still, this team remains dangerous and capable of running the table. If they shore up the back end, Georgia Tech’s playoff hopes aren’t dead yet.
2. Louisville (7-1, 4-1 ACC)
Jeff Brohm’s Cardinals continue to rise. Louisville’s second-half dominance against Virginia Tech highlighted their growing physicality on both sides of the ball. Miller Moss has settled into rhythm, and Isaac Brown looks like his old explosive self. If the defense keeps producing pressure, Louisville could be the league’s most complete team.
1. Virginia (8-1, 5-0 ACC)
The Cavaliers remain the last unbeaten team in conference play, winning ugly but winning, nonetheless. A late pick-six sealed their road victory at Cal, and Tony Elliott’s group keeps thriving in close games. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective. With composure and defense as their backbone, Virginia controls its destiny in the ACC.
