# **ACC Power Rankings: Clemson Leads the Pack Ahead o College Football Spring Practice**
As the college football world gears up for spring practice, the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) power rankings have taken shape, with Clemson sitting atop the list. While several teams are poised to make a run at the top spot in 2024, the Tigers continue to be the standard-bearer in the conference, thanks to their recruiting, defensive dominance, and a strong finish to last season.
With spring practice set to begin, every team in the ACC will be looking to evaluate talent, integrate new players, and solidify depth charts ahead of what promises to be another exciting season. Here’s a look at how the teams stack up in the ACC power rankings heading into spring ball.
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## **1. Clemson Tigers**
*2023 Record: 9-4 (5-3 ACC)*
Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers remain the team to beat in the ACC despite a somewhat underwhelming 2023 campaign by their lofty standards. After a slow start last season, Clemson finished strong with five consecutive wins, including an impressive victory over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.
A big reason for optimism in 2024 is the continued development of quarterback Cade Klubnik. Entering his second full season as the starter, Klubnik has the tools to take a major step forward under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. If he can elevate his play, the Tigers could return to the College Football Playoff conversation.
Defensively, Clemson remains elite. The unit, led by coordinator Wes Goodwin, was one of the best in the country last year, finishing 10th in total defense. The return of key playmakers such as linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive lineman Peter Woods should keep Clemson dominant on that side of the ball.
Spring practice will be crucial in determining how Clemson reloads at key positions, especially on the offensive line and at wide receiver, but for now, they remain the ACC’s top program.
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## **2. Florida State Seminoles**
*2023 Record: 13-1 (8-0 ACC)*
Despite an undefeated regular season and an ACC Championship, Florida State’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff left a bitter taste in Tallahassee. The Seminoles then suffered a disappointing 63-3 loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl, but that shouldn’t overshadow how dominant they were last season.
FSU will look different in 2024, as the team loses several key players, including quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive end Jared Verse, and wide receiver Keon Coleman. The Seminoles hit the transfer portal hard to replace talent, adding former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and several high-profile defensive standouts.
Mike Norvell has built an impressive program, but this will be a transition year as they retool on both sides of the ball. If the new pieces mesh well in spring practice, Florida State could once again be a major player in the national conversation.
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## **3. Miami Hurricanes**
*2023 Record: 7-6 (3-5 ACC)*
The Miami Hurricanes enter 2024 with high expectations under third-year head coach Mario Cristobal. Last season was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency, but Miami’s strong recruiting class and transfer additions have put them back in the conversation.
The biggest storyline this spring is the quarterback competition. Tyler Van Dyke transferred to Wisconsin, leaving the job open for five-star freshman Julian Sayin and transfer Cam Ward (Washington State). If Miami can solidify its quarterback situation and improve on defense, they have the talent to challenge for the ACC title.
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## **4. North Carolina Tar Heels**
*2023 Record: 8-5 (4-4 ACC)*
The post-Drake Maye era begins in Chapel Hill, and all eyes will be on Mack Brown’s quarterback battle this spring. With Maye off to the NFL, the Tar Heels must replace one of the most talented signal-callers in school history.
The good news? UNC still has plenty of offensive weapons, including running back Omarion Hampton, who rushed for over 1,400 yards last season. The question remains whether the defense, which has been a liability in recent years, can take a step forward.
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## **5. Louisville Cardinals**
*2023 Record: 10-4 (7-1 ACC)*
Jeff Brohm had an excellent first season as head coach, leading Louisville to the ACC Championship Game. The Cardinals bring back a solid core, especially on defense, but they’ll need to find stability at quarterback after Jack Plummer’s departure.
Louisville’s transfer portal activity has been promising, and they have one of the better offensive lines in the conference. If they can sort out the passing game, they will be a dark-horse contender in 2024.
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## **6. NC State Wolfpack**
*2023 Record: 9-4 (6-2 ACC)*
NC State continues to be one of the ACC’s most consistent programs under Dave Doeren. They enter 2024 with a solid defense and an intriguing quarterback situation after adding former Coastal Carolina star Grayson McCall through the transfer portal.
The Wolfpack don’t have the highest ceiling, but their well-coached, physical style of play makes them a tough opponent for anyone. Spring practice will be key in determining whether they have enough offensive firepower to take the next step.
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## **7. Duke Blue Devils**
*2023 Record: 8-5 (4-4 ACC)*
After Mike Elko’s departure to Texas A&M, Duke faces uncertainty under new head coach Manny Diaz. The Blue Devils will need to replace quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred to Notre Dame, but they return a strong offensive line and running game.
If Diaz can maintain the defensive toughness Duke showed last year, they should remain competitive.
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## **8. Virginia Tech Hokies**
*2023 Record: 7-6 (4-4 ACC)*
Virginia Tech showed progress in 2023 under Brent Pry, and with key pieces returning, they could be a surprise team in the ACC. Quarterback Kyron Drones flashed potential last season, and the Hokies’ defense steadily improved.
If the offense can take another step forward, Virginia Tech could contend for a top-tier bowl game.
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## **9. Syracuse Orange**
*2023 Record: 6-7 (2-6 ACC)*
Syracuse begins the Fran Brown era after moving on from Dino Babers. Brown has a strong recruiting background and will look to revamp a program that has struggled with consistency.
The biggest spring storyline is quarterback Kyle McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, who will be tasked with leading the offense.
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## **10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons**
*2023 Record: 4-8 (1-7 ACC)*
After years of success under Dave Clawson, Wake Forest took a step back last year. Replacing Sam Hartman at quarterback proved challenging, and the offense never found its rhythm.
If Wake Forest can sort out its QB situation in the spring, they could return to their winning ways.
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### **Conclusion**
As spring practice begins, Clemson sits atop the ACC power rankings, but the competition is fierce. Florida State, Miami, and North Carolina all have the potential to challenge for the top spot, while Louisville and NC State remain dangerous programs.
With new quarterbacks, transfer portal additions, and coaching changes, the ACC is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing conferences in college football in 2024. The next few months of preparation will be crucial in determining which teams rise and which ones struggle in the upcoming season.
