The Atlantic Coast Conference is once again brimming with storylines heading into the new season. From blue bloods like Duke and North Carolina to new faces leading proud programs, the league is primed for one of its most competitive years yet.
1. Duke Blue Devils
Jon Scheyer lost a ton of talent, but he brought in even more. Coming off a 35-4 season and a trip to the Final Four, Duke enters 2025-26 with the nation’s top recruiting class and another championship-caliber roster. The Blue Devils open against Texas at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte in a matchup that could set the tone for their season.
2. Louisville Cardinals
Pat Kelsey’s second season could be special. After a 27-8 campaign and an 18-2 league record, the Cardinals have the pieces to win the ACC and make a Final Four push. Their first-round exit last year serves as motivation heading into the new season, which begins at home against South Carolina State.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
Hubert Davis retooled his roster, but patience is running thin in Chapel Hill. After finishing 23-14 a year ago, the Tar Heels need to find consistency fast or risk more questions about Davis’ future. UNC opens at home against Central Arkansas on November 3.
4. NC State Wolf Pack
Will Wade replaces Kevin Keatts and brings a new level of energy to Raleigh. The Wolf Pack have restocked with transfers and recruits who can compete right away. They’ll open their 2025-26 season at home on November 3, hoping to make a strong first impression under Wade.
5. Miami Hurricanes
Jai Lucas steps into his first head coaching job with a rebuild on his hands. Miami won only three ACC games last year, but a strong recruiting class provides hope for the future. The Hurricanes begin the new era at home against Jacksonville on opening night.
6. Virginia Cavaliers
Ryan Odom inherits a proud program ready to rise again. The new coach’s structured, disciplined style should fit the Cavaliers well. While a top-four finish might be a stretch this season, the foundation for success is being built. Virginia opens at home against Rider on November 3.
7. SMU Mustangs
SMU impressed in its first ACC season, winning 13 league games and proving it could compete with the conference’s elite. The Mustangs open at home against Tarleton State, looking to continue their momentum and establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Markus Burton and Braeden Shrewsberry return to lead a Notre Dame team that could surprise. With talent and experience back, the Irish have an upper-half ceiling but must prove they can deliver consistently. Their opener comes against Long Island University.
9. Syracuse Orange
With J.J. Starling and Donnie Freeman returning, plus a strong freshman class, Syracuse has momentum in year two of the post-Boeheim era. The Orange will be fun to watch and open their season at the JMA Wireless Dome against Binghamton.
10. Virginia Tech Hokies
Mike Young’s Hokies went 13-18 last season but have a manageable early schedule to regain confidence. Their opener against Charleston Southern on November 3 kicks off a stretch that could define their season before league play begins.
11. Clemson Tigers
Brad Brownell’s Tigers must replace Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin after a 27-7 season. While the roster turnover raises questions, Clemson remains capable of hanging near the top tier. They open at home against New Hampshire on November 3.
12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Steve Forbes lost significant talent and faces a transition year. The Deacons had the pieces to dance last year but fell short. They’ll try to rebuild quickly, starting November 3 against American at home.
13. Florida State Seminoles
Luke Loucks takes over a Florida State program in full reset mode. The new-look Seminoles will need time to gel, but the energy around the program is positive. They’ll host Alcorn State on November 4 to start the Loucks era.
14. Stanford Cardinal
Stanford held its own in its ACC debut, winning 21 games and going 11-9 in league play. With a mix of returning talent and solid newcomers, the Cardinal could take another step forward. They open November 4 against Portland State.
15. California Bears
Mark Madsen’s squad lost star Andrej Stojakovic, leaving a major scoring void. The Bears must rely on player development and better defense to stay competitive in year two of ACC play. They’ll host Cal State Bakersfield to start the season.
16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Damon Stoudamire’s debut season ended with a 17-17 record and flashes of promise. The Yellow Jackets look ready to climb if their young roster develops as expected. They open November 3 at home against Maryland-Eastern Shore.
17. Pittsburgh Panthers
Jeff Capel is under pressure to turn things around. After a disappointing 17-15 finish and no NCAA bid, the Panthers need to find consistency quickly. Their opener comes November 3 against Youngstown State.
18. Boston College Eagles
Boston College struggled mightily last season, winning only four ACC games after a promising start. Improvement seems unlikely with limited roster upgrades. The Eagles open the 2025-26 campaign on the road against Florida Atlantic.
A Conference Full of Questions and Contenders
With 18 teams and no shortage of storylines, the 2025-26 ACC season promises drama from top to bottom. Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina headline the national contenders, but programs like Virginia, SMU, and Notre Dame could shake things up. Whether it’s a traditional power reclaiming glory or a new challenger breaking through, the road to the ACC crown will be one of college basketball’s best storylines this season.