ACC Football 2024: The Season That Could Shake Up College Football

Clemson’s Decline, Florida State’s Overhype, and the Underdogs Ready to Steal the Spotlight

The ACC is set for another wild ride in 2024. Despite all the chatter about realignment and potential exits, the conference has held it together — at least for now. The usual heavyweights, Clemson and Florida State, are back at the top, but this season brings plenty of fresh faces and new challenges. With a bigger College Football Playoff field up for grabs, the ACC has a golden opportunity to make some noise. Let’s see who’s going to rise and who might crumble under the pressure.

The Usual Suspects: Clemson and Florida State

If you’re looking for a safe bet in the ACC, Clemson and Florida State are your teams. They’ve been the heavyweights of the conference for years, and 2024 doesn’t look much different. Both teams are loaded with talent and will start the season ranked in the AP Top 25. Clemson, however, might be a bit overrated this time around (more on that later).

Florida State, still fuming from last year’s playoff snub, enters the season with a chip the size of the Seminole Nation on its shoulder. Everyone at College GameDay picked them to win their opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, but the Noles promptly showed why I consider them one of the most overrated teams in the Top 25. In a surprising upset, Georgia Tech edged out Florida State 24–21, proving that the Seminoles still have a lot to prove. Sure, they’ve got talent, but being hyped up every year only to fall short is starting to feel like a tradition in Tallahassee. They’re determined to make a statement, but whether they can live up to it remains to be seen.

New Faces, Same Powerhouses

The ACC may have added some new members, but the power dynamics haven’t shifted much. Miami and North Carolina State also cracked the preseason AP Top 25, and both teams have the potential to make noise this year. Miami, in particular, has a lot of buzz surrounding its program, with QB Cam Ward (a top transfer from Washington State) leading the charge.

But don’t sleep on Louisville, Virginia Tech, or SMU. They may not be in the spotlight, but they’ve got the talent to pull off some upsets this season. And with cross-country travel now a reality, thanks to the addition of Cal and Stanford, the ACC is going to have its fair share of chaos. Buckle up.

Most Underrated Team: Georgia Tech

Let’s talk about Georgia Tech. QB Haynes King is quietly one of the best signal-callers in the country, and he’s got a solid supporting cast returning on offense. The Yellow Jackets might not be getting much love in the preseason rankings, but don’t be surprised if they make some noise in 2024. They’re poised to be the surprise team of the conference.

Honorable Mention: Virginia

Virginia is another team flying under the radar, but they’ve got the pieces to be competitive this season. Keep an eye on them.

Most Overrated Team: Clemson

Now, I know this might ruffle some feathers, but Clemson is the most overrated team in the ACC this year. Dabo Swinney’s stubborn refusal to embrace the transfer portal is finally going to catch up with him. Don’t get me wrong — they won’t be terrible — but they’re not going to be in the thick of the championship race either. This could be the year the Tigers take a step back.

Players to Watch: Get Your Popcorn Ready

If you’re a fan of explosive plays and high-scoring games, these are the guys you want to keep an eye on:

• QB Cam Ward (Miami): The Washington State transfer is primed to light it up in the ACC.
• QB Thomas Castellanos (Boston College): A dynamic dual-threat QB who can hurt you with his arm and legs.
• QB Grayson McCall (NC State): Another transfer who’s ready to make an immediate impact.
• RB Omarion Hampton (UNC): A bruising back with a nose for the end zone.
• RB Jadyn Ott (Cal): One of the Pac-12’s top rushers now looking to dominate in the ACC.
• RB Phil Mafah (Clemson): A bright spot in what might be a down year for the Tigers.
• WR Xavier Restrepo (Miami): A playmaker who can turn any catch into a touchdown.

Must-Watch Games: Mark Your Calendars

The ACC is full of intriguing matchups this season, but these are the games you absolutely can’t miss:

• 8/24 — Georgia Tech vs. Florida State (Dublin, Ireland): A unique opener across the pond, where Georgia Tech stunned Florida State 24–21.
• 8/31 — Clemson @ Georgia: A heavyweight showdown early in the season.
• 9/21 — NC State @ Clemson: A pivotal conference matchup.
• 10/5 — Clemson @ Florida State: Potentially the game of the year in the ACC.
• 10/19 — Miami @ Louisville: A key game in the race for the conference title.
• 10/26 — Florida State @ Miami: The rivalry game with playoff implications.

The ACC may not be the powerhouse conference it once was, but 2024 is shaping up to be an entertaining season. Whether it’s the familiar faces at the top or the newcomers looking to make their mark, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. So, grab your popcorn and enjoy the ride — because in the ACC, anything can happen.

Thank You for reading my article.