Miami favored to win ACC title amid conference scheduling changes

The Miami Hurricanes have been picked as the favorites to win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title, marking a significant preseason projection for a program that has not won a conference championship since joining the league in 2004. Led by coach Mario Cristobal, the seventh-ranked Hurricanes feature preseason player of the year candidate Darian Mensah and several all-conference selections.

Other notable contenders in the ACC include No. 19 SMU, which is centered around quarterback Kevin Jennings, and No. 24 Louisville. The conference is also undergoing a scheduling transition, moving toward a nine-game football schedule. During this bridge year, twelve teams will play nine games, while five teams—Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina—will play eight.

Speculation regarding coaching stability also persists within the conference. Analysts suggest there could be between three and five coaching changes following the upcoming season, with attention focused on various programs as coaches potentially seek opportunities in the SEC or Big Ten.