ACC Post-Spring Football Power Rankings: Clemson on Top, Miami and SMU Rise
May 18, 2025
As spring football wraps up across the ACC, it’s time to reassess the landscape of the conference with updated post-spring power rankings. With roster moves, breakout performances, and early transfer portal returns shaking up projections, the pecking order heading into summer looks notably different from the end of the 2024 season.
At the top of the list is a familiar name: Clemson. The Tigers look poised for a resurgence after an underwhelming 9–4 season last year. Quarterback Cade Klubnik appears more comfortable in Garrett Riley’s offense, and a dominant spring showing by the defensive line has reminded fans of Clemson’s traditional defensive strength. With key returners and a top-10 recruiting class in the fold, Dabo Swinney’s squad is the early favorite to win the conference.
Miami checks in at No. 2, thanks to impressive momentum under Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes ended 2024 with a bowl win and carried that confidence into spring. Quarterback Reese Poffenbarger, a transfer from Albany, has been a surprise standout, pushing incumbent Emory Williams. Defensively, Miami boasts arguably the best linebacker group in the league, anchored by Francisco Mauigoa.
Perhaps the most intriguing riser in the rankings is SMU, entering its first ACC season. The Mustangs have not only adapted but impressed. Head coach Rhett Lashlee has a proven offensive system, and with quarterback Preston Stone returning from injury, SMU’s high-tempo attack could give traditional powers problems. The Mustangs also addressed key defensive concerns through the portal, adding size and speed at linebacker and cornerback.
Rounding out the top five are Florida State and Louisville. The Seminoles, fresh off an ACC title and College Football Playoff berth, are dealing with major turnover, including the departure of Jordan Travis and several NFL-bound stars. Still, Mike Norvell’s system and a strong incoming class keep them among the contenders. Louisville, under Jeff Brohm, continues to build a tough, balanced team that can compete with anyone on a given Saturday.
The middle tier features teams with high ceilings but lingering questions. North Carolina (No. 6) must replace star QB Drake Maye but remains dangerous with a strong receiver corps. NC State (No. 7) and Virginia Tech (No. 8) both boast defensive prowess but need more consistency on offense. Pitt and Duke, ranked 9 and 10 respectively, are facing identity shifts after key coaching and personnel changes.
At the bottom, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse, Wake Forest, and Cal round out the rankings. Georgia Tech and BC showed flashes of progress in the spring, but depth remains a concern. Syracuse is starting over with a new coach, and Wake Forest continues to search for answers after a rough 2024. As for Cal, the transition to the ACC hasn’t been smooth, and their spring performance raised more questions than answers.
The ACC is entering a new era, both in terms of membership and competitive balance. With Clemson looking like the early favorite, and upstarts like Miami and SMU pushing hard, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in recent conference history. Summer workouts and fall camps will bring more clarity, but for now, the Tigers sit on top—with plenty of challengers on their heels.
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