The second season of the 17-team ACC sets up for a fascinating year with an outlook that includes at least one national title contender, some notable new hires and a tightly contested middle tier where postseason futures will hang in the balance nearly every week.

CBS analyst Chip Patterson framed Clemson as both the league’s pacesetter and a legitimate national‑title threat. “This is the most anticipated season of Clemson football in five years,” he wrote. “The Tigers return an impressive collection of future pros from the squad that reclaimed the ACC crown in 2024.