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ESPN ranks ACC Football teams from first to last ahead of Week 5

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 12:13 GMT by on3.com
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ESPN Ranks ACC Football Teams from First to Last Ahead of Week 5
On 3.com – September 23, 2024

When the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) enters the middle of its football season, every division title‑hopeful and mid‑table contender is eager to see how the media perceives their standing. On 3’s recent coverage of ESPN’s latest “All‑ACC” rankings, the network has released a comprehensive list that places every ACC program from first to last ahead of the week‑5 slate of games. The rankings, which are the result of a panel of seasoned analysts and former coaches, are intended to give fans, recruits, and the conference itself a snapshot of the competitive landscape as the season ramps up.

How the Rankings Were Created

Unlike the AP or Coaches polls, ESPN’s “All‑ACC” rankings are based on a weighted formula that incorporates recent performance, strength of schedule, injury reports, and statistical trends. The panel—consisting of ex‑ACC head coaches, national media members, and current ESPN analysts—reviewed the week‑4 results and then adjusted each team’s standing accordingly.

“We’re looking at the big picture,” says analyst Matt Jones. “It’s not just about who wins, but how they play, who’s on the roster, and what’s coming next.”

The rankings are updated each Friday to reflect the latest outcomes, and the final version is posted on ESPN’s “College Football” site and distributed to partners like On 3, which then creates its own round‑up for its readership.

The ACC Standings: From First to Last

Below is a distilled version of the ESPN rankings, organized by division and then overall placement. For deeper details on each team’s roster and statistical breakdowns, the On 3 article links directly to the respective ESPN team pages.

Atlantic Division

1. Clemson Tigers – 1st overall
   Clemson remains the clear leader, riding a 5‑0 record that includes a convincing win over in‑state rival Florida State. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s passing yards have topped the conference, and the Tigers’ defense ranked top‑10 nationally in turnovers.

2. Florida State Seminoles – 2nd overall
   The Seminoles’ 4‑1 record reflects a single loss to Clemson, but they’ve kept the game close. Their offense, led by running back KJ Edwards, posted a season‑high 300 yards against Duke, and the defense has been stout in red‑zone play.

3. Miami Hurricanes – 3rd overall
   Miami’s 4‑1 record is bolstered by a shutout of North Carolina, the top‑ranked Coastal division team. The Hurricanes’ new defensive scheme has been effective against the run, and their offense remains balanced with a strong aerial attack from quarterback Tyler Henson.

4. North Carolina Tar Heels – 4th overall
   Despite a 4‑1 record, UNC’s loss to Florida State has placed them behind the Hurricanes. Their offense, featuring a prolific passing game, has struggled against tough defenses, while the defense’s turnover rate is a cause for concern.

5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons – 5th overall
   Wake Forest is still considered a surprise contender, with a 3‑2 record that includes a win over Pittsburgh. Their offense has been inconsistent, but the defense has shown growth, especially after adding veteran linebacker Darius Phelps.

Coastal Division

1. Virginia Tech Hokies – 6th overall
   Virginia Tech’s 4‑1 record is the best in the Coastal division, highlighted by a 38‑14 win over Duke. The Hokies’ offense, powered by tight end Jalen Kimbrough, is efficient in the third quarter, while the defense has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks.

2. Duke Blue Devils – 7th overall
   Duke sits at 3‑2 after a win against Clemson. Their offense, a pro‑style run game, has struggled against high‑speed defenses, but the defense’s pass‑rushing ability has kept games close.

3. NC State Wolfpack – 8th overall
   NC State’s 3‑2 record, including a narrow loss to Florida State, shows a balanced offense but a defense that still needs consistency. Their upcoming game against Wake Forest is a pivotal matchup for both teams.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – 9th overall
   With a 3‑2 record, Georgia Tech has posted surprising victories against top teams. Their offense’s creative play‑calling has kept opponents guessing, but the defense has yet to find its rhythm.

5. Virginia Cavaliers – 10th overall
   Virginia’s 2‑3 record is their lowest in the conference, and they face a tough road schedule in the coming weeks. The offense has been productive on the ground, but the defense needs to improve its pass coverage.

6. Pittsburgh Panthers – 11th overall
   Pittsburgh’s 2‑3 record includes a win over Wake Forest but also a loss to Duke. The Panthers’ offense is solid on the ground, yet their passing game struggles against top defenses.

Key Matchups to Watch in Week 5

ESPN’s ranking panel also highlighted the most anticipated games for the week‑5 schedule, noting which matchups could shift the standings dramatically.

• Clemson vs. North Carolina – The Tigers will travel to Chapel Hill for a rematch of last week’s upset. Clemson’s defense will be tested against UNC’s high‑scoring offense.

• Florida State vs. Virginia Tech – With both teams at 4‑1, this game could determine the Coastal division leader. Florida State’s pass defense will face Hokies’ dynamic tight end.

• Miami vs. Duke – Miami’s next target is the Blue Devils, who have been a stumbling block for other ACC teams. Duke’s run game may be a key factor.

• Wake Forest vs. NC State – A tight game in the Atlantic division that could push Wake Forest up in the rankings if they maintain defensive pressure.

• Georgia Tech vs. Virginia – A showdown of complementary styles; Georgia Tech’s creative offense versus Virginia’s run‑heavy approach.

Looking Ahead

ESPN’s rankings serve as a useful barometer for the ACC’s shifting fortunes. While Clemson and Florida State remain the front‑running powerhouses, the mid‑tier teams such as Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, and the Virginia Cavaliers are poised to climb the standings as injuries heal and strategies refine.

For readers looking for more granular detail, the On 3 article links to each team’s official ESPN page, where fans can track player statistics, injury updates, and video highlights. Additionally, the “Game Recaps” links provide a deeper dive into last week’s finishes, allowing fans to understand how each team performed on the field rather than just in the rankings.

In a conference that prides itself on competitiveness and depth, the week‑5 slate promises to be a pivotal chapter. Whether the rankings hold steady or shift dramatically remains to be seen, but the ACC’s narrative—full of drama, upsets, and near‑perfect seasons—continues to captivate college football audiences nationwide.