The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is anticipated to showcase significant strength in the upcoming 2026-27 season, particularly at the top of the standings. Here are the preseason power rankings:
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1. **Duke Blue Devils**
2025–26 Record: 35–3 (17–1 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 1st
Duke continues to be a frontrunner with head coach Jon Scheyer retaining four of its top six scorers from last season. The team is bolstered by the addition of top-rated transfer John Blackwell from Wisconsin, preseason ACC Rookie of the Year Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, seasoned Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski, and five-star recruits Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey Jr. This squad is expected to be one of the deepest in recent memory.
2. **Louisville Cardinals**
2025–26 Record: 24–11 (11–7 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 6th
Coach Pat Kelsey has revamped the roster with key transfers, including Flory Bidunga (Kansas) and Jackson Shelstad (Oregon). The return of guard Adrian Wooley could be vital, particularly with the hopes of advancing into the NCAA Tournament's second weekend for the first time since 2015. However, the team awaits the eligibility decision for North Carolina transfer Seth Trimble and Northern Kentucky's L.J. Wells.
3. **Miami Hurricanes**
2025–26 Record: 26–9 (13–5 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 3rd
Under Jai Lucas's leadership, Miami improved dramatically last season and retains players including Malik Reneau and Shelton Henderson, while also bringing in notable transfers like Villanova’s Acaden Lewis and five-star freshman Caleb Gaskins.
4. **Virginia Cavaliers**
2025–26 Record: 30–6 (15–3 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 2nd
Virginia returns a strong core, including preseason ACC Player of the Year Thijs De Ridder. With key additions like Jurian Dixon and Christian Harmon, the Cavaliers aim to build on last year's success and challenge Duke for the top position.
5. **North Carolina Tar Heels**
2025–26 Record: 24–9 (12–6 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-4th
A new coaching era begins under Michael Malone, who will need to integrate transfers Terrence Brown and Neoklis Avdalas into his system. UNC possesses the talent to compete, but faces significant adjustments.
6. **Clemson Tigers**
2025–26 Record: 24–11 (12–6 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-4th
Brad Brownell's experience offers a solid foundation for the Tigers. The addition of Notre Dame transfer Cole Certa could enhance the team’s shooting, although losing Zac Foster to injury is a setback.
7. **Florida State Seminoles**
2025–26 Record: 18–15 (10–8 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-7th
Under first-year coach Luke Loucks, Florida State surprised many last season. If key freshmen develop beyond expectations, they could challenge for a postseason berth.
8. **NC State Wolfpack**
2025–26 Record: 20–14 (10–8 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-7th
New head coach Justin Gainey takes over a roster featuring notable players like Paul McNeil. The Wolfpack will aim to strengthen their defense this season.
9. **Virginia Tech Hokies**
2025–26 Record: 19–13 (8–10 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-11th
Mike Young sees a retention of key players like Amani Hansberry, but the transfer market will play a crucial role in their success this year.
10. **SMU Mustangs**
2025–26 Record: 20–14 (8–10 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-11th
Coach Andy Enfield faces a challenge with a roster overhaul after last year’s success. New players will need to step up quickly.
11. **Pittsburgh Panthers**
2025–26 Record: 13–20 (5–13 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 15th
Pitt will rely heavily on transfers to revitalize the program, hoping to improve on a tough last season.
12. **Syracuse Orange**
2025–26 Record: 15–17 (6–12 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 14th
Under new head coach Gerry McNamara, Syracuse begins a rebuilding phase with a youthful roster that may face early struggles.
13. **Stanford Cardinal**
2025–26 Record: 20–13 (9–9 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-9th
Losing what was expected to be a star player will challenge Stanford, though new transfers like Christian Bliss may help fill the gap.
14. **Wake Forest Demon Deacons**
2025–26 Record: 18–17 (7–11 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 13th
With limited resources and a lack of depth, Wake Forest looks to build on existing talent.
15. **Boston College Eagles**
2025–26 Record: 11–20 (4–14 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-16th
Luke Murray’s tenure begins with a roster needing significant development, though he aims to introduce hope for the future.
16. **Notre Dame Fighting Irish**
2025–26 Record: 13–18 (4–14 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-16th
Micah Shrewsberry’s time is marked by challenges, with limited roster depth making improvement this season unlikely.
17. **California Golden Bears**
2025–26 Record: 22–12 (9–9 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: T-9th
With substantial losses from last season, Cal faces a tough road ahead in the conference.
18. **Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets**
2025–26 Record: 11–20 (2–16 ACC)
2025–26 Conference Finish: 18th
New coach Scott Cross will attempt to uplift Georgia Tech's fortunes, focusing on high-scoring transfers to revitalize the squad.