Charlotte, NC, August 3, 2025
News Summary
As the college football season draws near, the Clemson Tigers are set as the preseason favorites in the ACC Championship race. With quarterback Cade Klubnik returning and a strong defense featuring eight starters, Clemson aims to enhance their playoff performance after a disappointing exit last year. Miami, SMU, and Louisville are also shaping up to be strong contenders, with significant changes and new recruits across the teams. The competition promises to be fierce in this upcoming season, with numerous teams returning a high percentage of players from last year.
Charlotte, NC – The 2025 college football season is poised to kick off in less than a month, with the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) spotlight firmly on the Clemson Tigers as the preseason favorites to claim the championship. Following a season filled with ambitious postseason efforts, Clemson is expected to lead the charge for the conference, hoping to produce a team that can advance deeper into the College Football Playoff than last year’s representatives, SMU and Clemson, who both exited in the first round.
Last season, Clemson, coached by Dabo Swinney, triumphed over SMU in the ACC championship, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, regarded as one of the best in the conference, is returning and is seen as a pivotal element in the Tigers’ quest for success. Clemson’s formidable defense returns eight starters, further solidifying their position as frontrunners in the conference, according to the ACC Football Media Poll.
Miami, led by Mario Cristobal, is another key player in the ACC landscape. After experiencing a setback last season, the Hurricanes lost their star quarterback, Cam Ward, first overall pick in the NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans. To address this gap, Miami has recruited former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who is expected to elevate their performance in the upcoming season. The Hurricanes are also focused on improving their discipline after finishing 120th in penalty yards last season, with an emphasis on edge rusher Rueben Bain bolstering their defensive roster.
SMU, with quarterback Kevin Jennings, aspires to return to the ACC Championship game following a strong showing last season. The Mustangs’ head coach Rhett Lashlee has retained eight starters and brought in an impressive 20 new recruits via the transfer portal, including standout defensive player Woo Carter from Louisville. Additionally, with an enhanced running attack from Derrick McFall and TJ Harden, SMU looks to improve their offensive output this season.
The Louisville Cardinals are also under the spotlight after losing quarterback Tyler Shough, the 40th pick in the NFL Draft. The team has acquired USC transfer Miller Moss to seize the quarterback position. With the addition of 30 transfer players and expectations high for running backs Isaac Brown and Duke Watson, Louisville’s offense aims to assert itself in the ACC.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, led by experienced quarterback Haynes King, will look to improve on last season’s 7-6 record. With the addition of 24 new players, including significant defensive transfers, Georgia Tech aims to shake off their recent bowl loss to Vanderbilt and regain momentum in 2025.
As the ACC preseason polling shows Clemson at the forefront, followed by Miami, SMU, and Louisville, the competition is heating up. Notable talents such as Rueben Bain for Miami and James Brockermeyer for SMU are anticipated to significantly influence their teams’ defensive performances. With the potential emergence of high-scoring offenses and improved defensive strategies, the season ahead promises fierce competition.
Moreover, Clemson is entering the campaign with an impressive 80% returning production percentage, signaling their robust roster and determination to achieve a high-performing season. The scrutiny surrounding Miami’s administration adds another layer of intrigue as they strive for better offensive strategies and overall success amidst pressure to improve results.
With seven other ACC teams returning 60% or more of their rosters from the last season, the stage is set for an exhilarating and competitive season in the ACC as coaching teams like Swinney and Cristobal aim for victory.
FAQs
What teams are the favorites in the ACC for the 2025 season?
The Clemson Tigers are considered the top favorite, followed by the Miami Hurricanes, SMU Mustangs, and Louisville Cardinals.
Who is returning as quarterback for Clemson?
Cade Klubnik returns as Clemson’s quarterback, recognized as one of the conference’s best players.
What significant changes have occurred for Miami ahead of the 2025 season?
Miami lost their star quarterback Cam Ward and recruited Carson Beck, a former Georgia quarterback, to take over the position.
How many new players has SMU added for the season?
SMU has added 20 new players through the transfer portal.
Which team has the highest percentage of returning production?
Clemson boasts an 80% returning production percentage, suggesting a strong roster heading into the new season.
Key Features of the 2025 ACC Football Season
| Team | Key Players | Key Additions | Returning Production (% ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | Cade Klubnik (QB) | N/A | 80% |
| Miami | Rueben Bain (Defensive) | Carson Beck (QB, from Georgia) | N/A |
| SMU | Kevin Jennings (QB) | Woo Carter (Defensive, from Louisville) | N/A |
| Louisville | Isaac Brown (RB) | Miller Moss (QB, from USC) | N/A |
| Georgia Tech | Haynes King (QB) | Key defensive transfers | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- The ACC: Clemson Leads 2025 All-ACC Preseason Football Team
- Wikipedia: 2025 College Football Season
- CBS Sports: 2025 Preseason All-ACC Football Team
- Google Search: ACC Football 2025 Season
- The ACC: Clemson Picked as Preseason Favorite
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- ESPN: 2025 ACC College Football Projections Preview
- Google News: ACC Football News
- Fayetteville Observer: Duke Football Ranking
Author: HERE Charlotte
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