NCAAF ACC 2026 Season Preview

As the NCAAF season fast approaches, it’s time to get a lay of the land.

We’ll begin by previewing the Atlantic Coast Conference in which Clemson is heavily favored to win once again. Let’s take a look at who’s bringing what to the table in 2026.

Favorites to Win the ACC in 2026

Clemson Tigers

The defending national champions are among the favorites to win the crown again. During the season, there aren’t too many potential trouble spots.

It would be nothing short of stunning if the Tigers weren’t in the ACC title game this year. 

Clemson Wins

Miami Hurricanes

The Coastal division looks pretty wide open, but the Hurricanes may be the best of the bunch. The club can bring it on defense, but questions abound about the offense.

New head coach Manny Diaz is on a mission to return Miami to its former glory.

Miami Season Wins

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ACC Contenders to Watch in 2026

Virginia Cavaliers

The Cavaliers share the same odds to win the conference with the Hurricanes.

The two programs will get to decide it on the field on February 11 at Miami. Virginia is a program on the rise, but a Coastal division crown may be too much to ask in 2026.

Cavaliers Season Wins

Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hokies fall into the same odds category with the above two squads, and they get the privilege of traveling to both campuses this year to boot.

They’re definitely in the mix for the Coastal division, but not quite a legitimate challenger to Clemson. 

Hokies Season Wins

Florida State Seminoles

The Seminoles are coming in off a down year in which they missed bowl eligibility with a mark of 5-7.

The program looks on the right track towards turning it around, but they’re likely a season away from being a serious threat in the Atlantic division.

Seminoles Regular Season Wins

NC State Wolfpack

The Wolfpack were pounded at Clemson last year to the tune of 41-7. They welcome the Tigers to town this season on February 9.

The margin of victory maybe a little closer, but Clemson should still win going away. 

NC State Wins

Syracuse Orange

The Orange provided Clemson with one of its stiffest tests of the 2026 season, and they could do the same this year when they host the Tigers on February 14.

Syracuse could surprise this year on win total, but they don’t have enough firepower to overtake Clemson.

Syracuse Season Wins

Pittsburgh Panthers

Last year’s winner of the Coastal division should be in the mix once again, but the pounding they received at the hands of Clemson in last year’s title tilt clearly demonstrates the gap in talent.

Nonetheless, the Panthers could have some moments in 2026.

Pittsburgh Regular Season Wins

The Rest of the ACC for 2026

The other six teams in the conference - Boston College, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina - all have odds to win in the range of +10000 to +25000.

On win totals, Louisville brings up the rear with 3.5, while Boston College and Wake Forest are tops in this group with 6 wins.

Bottom Line on the ACC in 2026

It’s Clemson’s to lose, and we see absolutely nothing to suggest that’s going to happen.