ACC Football Rankings, Predicted Order of Finish as 2024 Media Days Begin
The 2024 season promises to be unlike any other not just in the ACC but in college football nationally after a historic tidal wave of conference realignment and the expansion of the playoff to 12 teams. Now, as Media Days gets underway, it’s time to get an updated look at the ACC power rankings.
Part of that realignment is taking place in the ACC this fall, as the conference expands to include SMU, Stanford, and Cal to its rotation, and while the additions may not shake up the league title race, they will certainly add to schools’ air mileage in the future with trips to and from the West Coast.
Notably, the two teams expected to contend for the ACC football title are the two trying to get out of the conference, as Florida State and Clemson continue their lawsuits against the league in an apparent effort to try their luck somewhere else, although where exactly remains an open question.
- Stanford is predicted to finish 17th in the ACC football rankings for 2024, with challenges in consistency and depth on both offense and defense.
- The return of standout receiver Elic Ayomanor provides hope for Stanford’s offense, but the team still has a long way to go to compete in the ACC.
- Stanford’s tough schedule, including games against top ACC teams like Clemson and Florida State, makes it difficult for them to climb in the rankings without major upsets.
- Virginia is expected to finish 16th in the ACC, facing challenges after losing key offensive player Malik Washington to the NFL.
- A QB competition between Tony Mu and others will be crucial for Virginia as they aim to fill the gap left by Washington’s departure.
ACC Football Rankings, Order of Finish for 2024
17. Stanford
Stanford is yet to win more than four games in a season since 2018, but second-year coach Troy Taylor does return one of the better receivers in football with Elic Ayomanor coming back. That could give the offense a bump, but otherwise the roster has a way to go before competing in the ACC.
Stanford’s struggles have been well-documented, with a lack of consistency and depth on both sides of the ball plaguing the team. The Cardinal have struggled to find a reliable quarterback, and the defense has been porous, allowing opponents to rack up yards and points with ease.
The addition of Ayomanor provides a glimmer of hope, as he has the potential to be a dominant force in the ACC. However, it remains to be seen if the Cardinal can surround him with enough talent to make a significant impact.
Stanford’s schedule is brutal, with games against several top-tier ACC teams, including Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. Unless the Cardinal can pull off some upsets, they are likely to be at the bottom of the conference for the foreseeable future.
Last year: 3-9 (2-7)
16. Virginia
Most of the Cavaliers’ offense went through wideout Malik Washington, but he’s in the NFL, leaving a giant hole in this attack. There will be a QB competition between Tony Muskett and Anthony Colandrea, but it remains to be seen what else is in the cupboard, especially on one of the worst defenses in the conference.
Virginia’s offense was anemic last season, ranking among the worst in the ACC in terms of points and yards per game. The loss of Washington, who was a reliable target for quarterback Brennan Armstrong, leaves a huge void in the receiving corps.
The quarterback competition between Muskett and Colandrea is a major concern, as neither player has proven to be a reliable starter at the college level. The defense was equally bad, allowing opponents to score at will.
Virginia has a difficult schedule, with games against several strong teams, including Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. The Cavaliers are likely to struggle to win games unless they can find a way to improve significantly on both sides of the ball.
Last year: 3-9 (2-6)
15. Pittsburgh
Pat Narduzzi is known for his player development skills, and they’ll be put to the test after Pitt’s defense lost key contributors to the portal and the NFL. The offense was a mess last year, and the quarterback position going forward remains a question.
Pitt’s defense was a strength last season, but the loss of key players to the portal and the NFL has weakened the unit. The Panthers will have to rely on their depth and Narduzzi’s coaching to maintain their defensive prowess.
The offense was a major disappointment last season, struggling to find consistency and efficiency. The quarterback position is a major question mark, with no clear frontrunner to take over the starting job.
Pitt’s schedule is very challenging, with games against Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. The Panthers will need to pull off some upsets if they want to be competitive in the ACC.
Last year: 3-9 (2-6)
14. Boston College
Lack of credible skill and depth on the defensive side of the ball may hinder BC in Bill O’Brien’s debut season as head coach, but the offensive guru can get something out of quarterback Thomas Castellanos. While he’s struggled as a passer, there’s real upside there to build around.
Boston College’s defense was a major liability last season, allowing opponents to rack up yards and points with ease. The Eagles will need to find a way to improve on that side of the ball if they want to be competitive in the ACC.
The offense has potential, with Castellanos showing flashes of brilliance. However, he needs to improve his consistency and accuracy if he wants to become a reliable starting quarterback.
Boston College’s schedule is not overly difficult, but the Eagles will need to play well against their rivals to have a chance to finish in the top half of the ACC.
Last year: 7-6 (3-5)
13. Wake Forest
The addition of transfer quarterback Hank Bachmeier should help revive an offense that struggled without Sam Hartman last season, and the roster returns enough experience to take a step forward. Wake’s defense wasn’t much, but it was better than the offense and it gets enough back, too.
Wake Forest’s offense lost its heart and soul last season with the departure of Hartman. The addition of Bachmeier, a proven starter at Boise State, gives the offense a major boost.
The defense is still a work in progress, but it showed signs of improvement last season. The return of key players should help the defense build on that progress.
Wake Forest’s schedule is relatively balanced, with games against several competitive teams. The Demon Deacons will need to play well against their rivals to have a chance to earn a bowl berth.
Last year: 4-8 (1-7)
