ACC college football previews highlight Miami and Clemson for 2026

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) enters the 2026 college football season with significant questions regarding its top-tier competitiveness. Following a season where Miami made a strong showing, the Hurricanes remain the betting favorites to win the conference championship in Charlotte on December 5. Despite heavy personnel losses on defense, Miami is positioned as the odds-on favorite, though SMU and Louisville are also noted as potential contenders.

Clemson, a long-standing mainstay of the ACC, faces a challenging schedule for the 2026 season. The Tigers are expected to open against LSU in Baton Rouge, a matchup that staff predictions suggest could result in a loss due to offensive growing pains and LSU's defensive strength. Clemson's season will also include matchups against Duke, Georgia Tech, and Syracuse as they look to improve upon previous results.