Clemson’s dominance in the ACC continues to shine brightly after their triumphant victory over SMU in the ACC Championship Game last season. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, FanDuel has released its odds for the upcoming ACC Championship, and the Tigers are once again the favorites to repeat their success.
Clemson’s Path to Success
Clemson’s journey to the ACC Championship was not without its challenges. The Tigers managed to secure their spot in the title game after Miami faced an unexpected upset against Syracuse in the regular season finale. This twist of fate allowed Clemson to capitalize, and they ultimately triumphed over SMU, clinching the league title and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.
Heading into the 2025 season, Clemson appears to be loaded with talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Cade Klubnik returns, along with many of his top offensive weapons, creating a formidable lineup. Additionally, the Tigers have bolstered their defense by hiring Tom Allen from Penn State, further solidifying their chances of repeating as ACC champions.
Miami’s Ambitious Outlook
While Clemson stands as the favorite, Miami is not far behind in the race for the ACC title. The Hurricanes narrowly missed out on a spot in the ACC Championship Game last season and are determined to make a significant impact in 2025. With the addition of former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck from the transfer portal, Miami fans are hopeful that he can lead the team to glory.
However, for Miami to succeed, the defense must improve. The Hurricanes have taken steps to address this by hiring Corey Hetherman from Minnesota to revamp their defensive strategy. With these changes, Miami aims to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in the ACC.
SMU’s Impressive Debut
In their inaugural season in the ACC, SMU made quite the impression. The Mustangs finished the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record (8-0 in conference play) but fell just short in a heart-wrenching loss to Clemson in the ACC title game. With quarterback Kevin Jennings returning and a proactive approach in the transfer portal, SMU is poised to contend for the conference title once again in 2025.
Louisville’s Rising Potential
Another team to watch is Louisville, where Jeff Brohm has revitalized the program. With a solid 9-4 (5-3) record in 2024, including a notable victory over Clemson, the Cardinals are on the rise. Louisville has also secured former USC quarterback Miller Moss from the transfer portal, adding depth and talent to their roster. The Cardinals are expected to be strong contenders for the ACC title in the upcoming season.
Georgia Tech’s Surprising Turnaround
Georgia Tech emerged as a surprise contender last season, finishing with a respectable 5-3 record in the conference. The Yellow Jackets nearly pulled off an upset against Georgia in their rivalry game, showcasing their potential. With quarterback Haynes King returning and an active approach in the transfer portal, Georgia Tech is ready to make some noise in the ACC. Under the leadership of Brent Key, the program has shown significant improvement, making them a team to watch.
Florida State’s Rebuilding Phase
After a dismal 2-10 record last season, Florida State is in a rebuilding phase. The Seminoles’ only victories came against Cal and Charleston Southern, leaving fans eager for improvement. Head coach Mike Norvell is committed to turning the program around and has made substantial staff changes to revitalize the team. The question remains: how much progress will Florida State make in 2025?
North Carolina’s Bold Move
One of the most talked-about stories this offseason was North Carolina’s surprising hire of Bill Belichick. The legendary NFL coach has turned his attention to college football, taking the reins of the Tar Heels program. While UNC’s roster needs some upgrading, Belichick’s expertise could elevate the team to new heights. However, competing for championships in his first year will undoubtedly be a challenge.
Duke’s Continued Momentum
Duke is another program that has shown promise under the leadership of Manny Diaz. Following a successful run under Mike Elko, the Blue Devils finished with nine wins in 2024, including a 5-3 record in the ACC. Although quarterback Maalik Murphy entered the transfer portal, Duke secured one of the top QBs in the portal, Darian Mensah, to bolster their chances. With Diaz at the helm, Duke could surprise some teams once again in the upcoming season.
Virginia Tech’s Hopes for Redemption
Virginia Tech entered the 2024 season with high expectations but fell short, finishing with a 6-7 record. After a disappointing start, the Hokies struggled to regain their footing. However, with quarterback Kyron Drones returning, there is hope for a turnaround in 2025. Can Virginia Tech bounce back and become a contender in the ACC?
Remaining odds to win 2025 ACC Championship
As we gear up for the 2025 season, here are the remaining odds to win the ACC Championship:
– Syracuse Orange, +5000
– California Golden Bears, +6500
– NC State Wolfpack, +6500
– Pittsburgh Panthers, +10000
– Virginia Cavaliers, +17000
– Boston College Eagles, +20000
– Wake Forest Demon Deacons, +35000
– Stanford Cardinal, +35000
With so much talent and potential across the ACC, the 2025 season promises to be thrilling. Which team will rise to the occasion and claim the championship? Only time will tell!
