ACC spring football preview — Key storylines, players to watch

March is a busy month on the sports calendar, with college basketball jumping headlong into tournament season, the NBA and NHL hitting their playoff pushes and baseball getting ready for Opening Day.

It also provides college football coaches, players and fans with their first look at what could be in store for the 2025 season as teams conduct spring practices.

We begin our power conference spring previews with the ACC, which has no shortage of compelling storylines.

How will Georgia transfer Carson Beck fare at Miami as Cam Ward’s replacement as the Canes’ starting quarterback? Can Clemson’s defense deliver as the Tigers seem poised for big things? What does SMU do for an encore after ripping through the ACC unbeaten in its first season in the conference? How does Florida State pick up the pieces from a 2-10 campaign in 2024?

And then there’s North Carolina, which opens camp with Bill Belichick in charge after one of the most shocking coaching hires in recent memory.

Here’s a look at the top storyline, a position of intrigue and player to watch for every ACC team as spring camps get underway.

2024 record: 7-6 (4-4 ACC)

Spring storyline: Who’s the starting QB? In 2023, BC named a starter, then made a switch by Week 2. In 2024, BC again benched its starter, Thomas Castellanos, during the season, which led to his transfer. Now the Eagles enter spring with Grayson James as the incumbent but a big-name transfer in Dylan Lonergan pushing for the job. Getting this decision right the first time might be critical if the Eagles want to finally get over that seven-win hump.

Position of intrigue: The offensive line has long been a position of strength for BC, including on last year’s group, which featured an All-ACC season from Ozzy Trapilo. He’s gone, as is stalwart center Drew Kendall, and the Eagles are looking to rebuild with some veteran talent from the FCS ranks, including Amir Johnson (Merrimack) and Tommy Matheson (Princeton).

Player to watch: Linebacker Bryce Steele took a redshirt year in 2024 while recovering from cancer. He saw serious action in BC’s bowl game, however, and he hopes to be back to full strength for 2025, where he’ll compete for a starting job in hopes of regaining the reputation he held as a blue-chip recruit.

2024 record: 6-7 (2-6)

Spring storyline: Coach Justin Wilcox overhauled his offensive staff after the Bears lost four games by 5 points or fewer in their ACC debut, culminating with yet another season with more frustration than joy. Wilcox hired former Boise State and Auburn coach Bryan Harsin as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, while also bringing in new assistants to coach the offensive line, receivers and running backs. He also hired former Washington State coach Nick Rolovich as a senior offensive assistant. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon is reportedly moving on to the New Orleans Saints, which means this staff will look almost entirely different when spring kicks off.

Position of intrigue: Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana, leaving an open quarterback competition behind. Ohio State transfer Devin Brown is expected to compete with true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who transferred to the Bears a month after signing with Oregon. Sagapolutele had flipped to Oregon after initially committing to Cal, but after joining the Ducks for their Rose Bowl prep, he changed his mind and decided he wanted to come to Cal after all.

Player to watch: Cal got huge news when running back Jaydn Ott decided to return for one more year after an ankle injury hindered him for most of 2024. With Ott and Jaivian Thomas returning, Cal has one of the best running back duos in the ACC.

2024 record: 10-4 (7-1)

Spring storyline: There’s a new sheriff on D, as Clemson parted ways with Wes Goodwin in favor of former Penn State coordinator Tom Allen. The goal is to rejuvenate a pass rush that has floundered in recent years, and fresh off a dominant season coaching the likes of Abdul Carter, Allen should have plenty to work with, including T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, on the line of scrimmage.

Position of intrigue: The Tigers were stymied by a late-season injury to Phil Mafah, and they struggled to get the running game going down the stretch. This spring, Clemson will be looking to iron out a backfield that has ample options but no lead rusher. Former blue-chip receiver Adam Randall is making the full-time switch to tailback, and he’ll get plenty of run alongside David Eziomume, but the biggest name to watch might be freshman Gideon Davidson, whom Dabo Swinney believes could be the best first-year back in the country.

Player to watch: In what might have been the biggest shocker of the offseason, Clemson took a big name from the transfer portal for the first time, landing former Purdue edge rusher Will Heldt. That he’s Swinney’s first big signing in the portal means Heldt will undoubtedly be an object of fascination around Death Valley, but the bigger story is that Clemson is desperate for a big impact off the edge — something that was sorely lacking at times in 2024.

2024 record: 9-4 (5-3)

Spring storyline: Is Duke ready to push into the ACC’s upper echelon? Here’s a fun fact: The only teams with more conference wins in the past three years than Duke (14) are Clemson and Louisville. After last season’s surprising 9-4 finish, Duke spent big to land transfer Darian Mensah at QB, and expectations are incredibly high in Durham for the first time in — well, it’s been a while.

Position of intrigue: Mensah was the big offseason splash, but there remains a question as to who he’ll be throwing the ball to. The Blue Devils’ top two receivers and their leading pass catcher at tight end from 2024 are all gone. In their wake, Duke will rely on third-year option Que’Sean Brown, who emerged late in the season, and a pair of transfers in Andrel Anthony (from Oklahoma) and Cooper Barkate (from Princeton).

Player to watch: Jaquez Moore was supposed to be a centerpiece to Duke’s offense in 2024, but an early injury upended his season, and he finished with just 32 carries. He’s healthy again, and if he can get back into the form he showed as an all-around playmaker in 2022 and 2023, the Blue Devils should have a nicely balanced attack.

2024 record: 2-10 (1-7)

Spring storyline: Can Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones show up on day one and zap away all memories of 2024? If so, that’d be a good start for Florida State, a team that went from the penthouse (13-0, ACC title before a bowl blowout in 2023) to the outhouse (2-10 and a big part of the coaching staff fired in 2024). The Seminoles are looking to find their footing again. Mike Norvell said he has invested in the right guys — attitude, work ethic, character — in the transfer portal, but there’s a lot of work to be done to move past a disastrous 2024 campaign.

Position of intrigue: Take your pick. At virtually every spot, Florida State has a big question after last year’s debacle. QB certainly fits the bill as “intriguing,” but BC transfer Thomas Castellanos isn’t likely to change a lot of hearts and minds this spring by himself. The bigger issue might be getting the O-line in order after an unmitigated disaster last season. If FSU can’t block, it won’t matter who’s in the backfield.

Player to watch: The defense is getting a fresh start under new coordinator Tony White, and he brings two transfers with him from Nebraska — edge rusher James Williams and linebacker Stefon Thompson. Williams arrives with his share of hype, and if FSU is going to regain some semblance of its 2023 magic, finding a pass rusher in the mold of Jermaine Johnson or Jared Verse will be critical.

2024 record: 7-6 (5-3)

Spring storyline: Georgia Tech ended last season with a good bit of buzz, and the Yellow Jackets return one of the most productive QBs in the ACC in Haynes King. Will all of that add up to a breakthrough season? There’s a lot to like on this team, but the story of coach Brent Key’s first few years in Atlanta has been the Jackets’ ability to play their best in big games then stub their toes against teams they should beat. Key is a ferocious competitor, and this spring seems like it should be a turning point when he pushes Tech from surprising upstart to a real contender.

Position of intrigue: The wide receiver room will look a lot different this spring. Three of the five wideouts with at least 100 receiving yards last season are gone, including star Eric Singleton, who exited via the portal for Auburn. Malik Rutherford is back, and he’ll be joined by a pair of FIU transfers in Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson, who combined for 112 catches and 19 touchdowns last year, as well as freshman Jamari Bruce.

Player to watch: Key is a former offensive lineman, and he believes championship teams are built in the trenches. Enter Josh Petty, a five-star recruit and arguably the most talented O-lineman the Jackets have landed in decades (and their first five-star signee since Calvin Johnson). Petty will need to work his way into the starting five, which already features talented veterans in Joe Fusile and Keylan Rutledge, but that doesn’t mean all eyes won’t be on the talented freshman this spring to see just how much bang Georgia Tech is getting for its buck.

2024 record: 9-4 (5-3)

Spring storyline: Just how good can this offense be? In his first year, Jeff Brohm made the most of veteran QB Jack Plummer. Last season, Tyler Shough developed into one of the most productive QBs in the country. Now Brohm turns to USC transfer Miller Moss, perhaps the most talented QB he has had at Louisville, and the Cards will surround Moss with a host of ubertalented skill players, including Caullin Lacy and Isaac Brown. Brohm’s offenses are always explosive, but this Cardinals squad has a chance to be one of the most terrifying units in America.

Position of intrigue: The secondary is littered with transfers — no shocker at Louisville — including the two corner positions, where Jabari Mack (Jacksonville State), Rodney Johnson (Southern) and Justin Agu (Louisiana) will be in the mix for playing time. There’s a big void in the secondary, after Louisville said goodbye to a host of veterans, including Quincy Riley. How this new unit jells will be crucial for a Louisville D that was far too susceptible to the big play in 2024.

Player to watch: Here’s a fun scenario: Isaac Brown was among the most prolific freshmen in the country last season, racking up 1,527 all-purpose yards. And yet, it’s another rising sophomore — Duke Watson — who might be the more explosive player. Watson got just 67 carries last season but averaged nearly 9 yards per rush and scored seven times. His role will grow alongside Brown in 2025, giving Louisville arguably the best 1-2 punch at tailback of any squad since last season’s Ohio State national champs.

2024 record: 10-3 (6-2)

Spring storyline: Can the defense get turned around? Miami parted ways with Lance Guidry after the D let the Canes down in 2024, and new coordinator Corey Hetherman is taking over with sights set on a far more dominant unit. Getting star defensive lineman Rueben Bain healthy will be a big first step, but figuring out a game plan for a beleaguered secondary will be even more significant.

Position of intrigue: Did we mention the secondary? Yes, breakout freshman OJ Frederique returns, but most of the rest of the DB room gets a fresh start with transfers Ethan O’Connor (Washington State), Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) and Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin) arriving with ample hype, alongside blue-chip freshman Bryce Fitzgerald, among others. Miami’s DBs were a mess down the stretch last season — in part due to talent, in part due to injuries — so this spring is about breaking in the new faces and developing some depth at key spots.

Player to watch: How do you follow a season with Cam Ward at QB? By landing the best transfer available in former Georgia star Carson Beck. Once considered a potential No. 1 NFL draft pick, Beck saw his stock slip a bit last season, but with more playmakers at his disposal in 2025, he could be in for a huge final season.

2024 record: 6-7 (3-5)

Spring storyline: Last year, NC State hit the portal hard — and with ample hype — only to see its season dissolve behind an injured QB and an underperforming supporting cast. Dave Doeren learned some lessons from all that, and he insists the focus this year is on chemistry and continuity, starting with a hefty investment in building around QB CJ Bailey, who flashed signs of stardom as a freshman but still has much to learn before he’s ready to take the Wolfpack to the next level.

Position of intrigue: NC State needs far more from its O-line that it got last season — or really, at almost any time in the past few seasons. With that in mind, the Wolfpack added some experienced toughness up front with transfers Teague Andersen (Utah State), Brock Stukes (North Carolina A&T) and Jalen Grant (Purdue). The run game improved as last season progressed, but with Hollywood Smothers and Kendrick Raphael looking like potential stars, NC State must find a combination up front that can run block with some consistency. NC State hasn’t finished in the top eight in the ACC in rush yards per game since 2017.

Player to watch: Bailey might be the key to NC State’s 2025 campaign. He was forced into action last season before he was ready but put together some solid numbers — 22 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 8 yards per pass — but he was wildly inconsistent. With a chance for him to get a full offseason under his belt and some gaps in his foundation filled in, the expectations go way up. NC State promoted QB coach Kurt Roper to offensive coordinator, a move made as much to help Bailey as anything.

2024 record: 6-7 (3-5)

Spring storyline: Oh, there’s not really much to talk about at North Carolina this spring. Just a normal offseason in which … a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach took over the program. That’s right, Bill Belichick is in Chapel Hill now, and he will undoubtedly be one of the biggest storylines in the country. How will the Heels look under a head coach with six rings but no college experience? It’s anyone’s guess. The move will either be a stroke of genius or a source of endless second guessing. Either way, it’s bound to be fun.

Position of intrigue: Tom Brady ain’t walking through that door, as they say, but UNC’s QB room could sure use him. The Heels saw two of the three quarterbacks to start for them last season leave via transfer, while the third, Max Johnson, is still rehabbing a bad leg injury suffered in the season opener. Belichick has put his faith (so far, at least) in Purdue transfer Ryan Browne and freshman Bryce Baker and — well, much like hiring Belichick in the first place, this seems like a big gamble. Of course, Belichick knows a thing or two about finding a good QB, so if he doesn’t see a gem this spring, he might be able to upgrade in the next portal window.

Player to watch: Belichick spent last season as an advisor at Washington, where his son Steve was defensive coordinator. Both are at UNC now, and they brought some talent with them, including corner Thaddeus Dixon and safety Peyton Waters, who will try to lock down a Tar Heels secondary that looked a mess at times in 2024.

2024 record: 7-6 (3-5)

Spring storyline: Pitt got off to an unexpected 7-0 start last season, only to finish on an equally unexpected six-game losing streak. After winning 20 games between 2021 and 2022, Pitt has struggled to find the same winning consistency the past two seasons. The hope is that the return of quarterback Eli Holstein and all-everything back Desmond Reid, plus a healthier offensive line, in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Kade Bell will allow the Panthers to find the rhythm and consistency to win.

Position of intrigue: Pitt struggled on the offensive line last season for a variety of reasons, including injuries that hindered the overall cohesion of the group. The Panthers put an emphasis on this position group in the portal, particularly offensive tackle, signing transfers Jeff Persi (Michigan) and Kendall Stanley (Charlotte). Stanley played 706 offensive snaps, all at right tackle, this past season, while the 6-foot-8, 310-pound Persi brings an imposing presence — though he has spent the majority of his career as a backup.

Player to watch: Pitt does a terrific job developing defensive backs, and safety Cruce Brookins could be next in line. With All-ACC safety Donovan McMillon gone to the NFL, Brookins has drawn praise for his striking ability and ball skills (two interceptions in reserve duty last season, including one against West Virginia).

2024 record: 11-3 (8-0)

Spring storyline: SMU did the unprecedented last year, rolling to an ACC championship game appearance in its first year in a power conference. Despite the success the Mustangs had in their inaugural ACC season, they lost to Clemson in the ACC title game and then lost to Penn State in the first round of the College Football Playoff. While Year 1 should be considered a success, all eyes will be on SMU to see whether it is able to sustain its momentum and position near the top of the conference.

Position of intrigue: Brashard Smith emerged last season as a dynamic playmaker for the Mustangs, gaining a school-record 1,977 all-purpose yards; now they have to find a way to replace his production. SMU signed Miami transfer Chris Johnson Jr., hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Smith, also a Miami transfer. Johnson joins returning players LJ Johnson and Derrick McFall, who showed playmaking ability as a true freshman last season in the handful of games he played.

Player to watch: The biggest question here is how quarterback Kevin Jennings responds after throwing three interceptions — two that were returned for touchdowns — in the CFP loss to Penn State. Jennings was so good for SMU the bulk of the season; how he responds to the adversity from that game will be telling.

2024 record: 3-9 (2-6)

Spring storyline: It was more of the same for Stanford in Year 1 in the ACC — a fourth straight 3-9 campaign that has increased the sense of urgency for Troy Taylor headed into his third season as Cardinal coach. Stanford was active in the transfer portal to fill key holes at receiver, offensive line and defensive back, so how those players mesh with the young talent Taylor has recruited to The Farm will ultimately determine how well Stanford does this season.

Position of intrigue: With Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson gone, former four-star recruit Elijah Brown is expected to enter spring as the starter at quarterback, and with good reason. Brown came into Stanford last year as an ESPN 300 prospect, immediately boosting hopes he could help the Cardinal win again. An injury limited him last season, so 2025 is his chance to prove he has what it takes to lead this team.

Player to watch: The new receivers are all intriguing, as Stanford looks to replace Elic Ayomanor and several others who transferred. Three are enrolled for spring: Caden High (South Carolina State), Jordan Onovughe (Colorado) and CJ Williams (Wisconsin).

2024 record: 10-3 (5-3)

Spring storyline: Fran Brown surprised and impressed in Year 1, leading Syracuse to its first 10-win season since 2018, including a regular-season finale victory over Miami that kept the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game. But this will be a very different team on offense this spring with Kyle McCord, LeQuint Allen and Oronde Gadsden all gone to the NFL draft. Indeed, the biggest questions this spring surround how the Orange are going to replace all that production.

Position of intrigue: Replacing McCord is at the top of the list. Syracuse signed transfer Rickie Collins from LSU and returns backup Michael Johnson Jr. and redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams. In addition, the Orange signed two freshmen quarterbacks in Luke Carney and Rich Belin. Offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon said Syracuse will have an open quarterback competition this spring. Though the room is missing the veteran presence McCord brought last season, Nixon said he is pleased with the depth he has among his quarterbacks.

Player to watch: Syracuse was not nearly as aggressive in the transfer portal as it was a year ago, but landing defensive lineman Chris Thomas Jr. from Marshall should help shore up a run defense that was inconsistent for most of last season.

2024 record: 5-7 (3-5)

Spring storyline: Virginia hit the transfer portal hard to boost its roster, signing 16 players in hopes of putting the Cavaliers in position to make a bowl game for the first time since 2021. While the program has made some strides since Tony Elliott was hired in 2022, he also knows this has to be the year in which significant progress is shown. His players have already spoken confidently about putting Virginia in a spot where it can compete for championships. We will get our first glimpse at the possibility this spring.

Position of intrigue: Virginia lost quarterbacks Anthony Colandrea (portal) and Tony Muskett (final season) and went into the portal to find their replacements. The headliner is Chandler Morris, now at his fourth school after spending last season at North Texas. Virginia also signed Daniel Kaelin from Nebraska as the potential quarterback of the future with four years of eligibility remaining. Look for Morris to take the reins giving his experience.

Player to watch: Linebacker Fisher Camac, a transfer from UNLV, has the ability to make the type of plays that set the tone on defense. Last season, he had 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 3 QB hurries and a forced fumble.

2024 record: 6-7 (4-4)

Spring storyline: Last season was supposed to be a breakout year for Virginia Tech. Instead, the Hokies struggled to a 6-7 record, lost 24 players to the transfer portal and saw some of their best players move on to the NFL draft. Though the Hokies bring back veteran quarterback Kyron Drones, there will a lot of changes, not only from a personnel perspective but among its coaching staff, with new offensive (Philip Montgomery) and defensive coordinators (Sam Siefkes).

Position of intrigue: The Hokies have holes to fill across the board, given the roster turnover. But let’s stick with offense and look at the running back room, where leading rusher Bhayshul Tuten is off to the NFL and backup Malachi Thomas transferred. Virginia Tech signed three transfer backs: Terion Stewart (Bowling Green), Braydon Bennett (Coastal Carolina) and Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri State) to fill the void.

Player to watch: Wide receiver Donavon Greene, a Wake Forest transfer, brings much needed experience and a veteran presence to the young, unproven Virginia Tech receiver group. Greene has been limited by injuries over the past few seasons, so staying healthy is imperative.

2024 record: 4-8 (2-6)

Spring storyline: New coach Jake Dickert replaces Dave Clawson, who stepped down after 11 seasons and one of the most successful tenures in Wake Forest football history. Dickert spent the past four seasons at Washington State, and though he has spent the majority of his career outside the Eastern time zone, he has found success at schools similar in stature to the Demon Deacons. Much will be different this spring beyond the head coach. Wake Forest will feature a new offensive scheme for the first time in 12 years.

Position of intrigue: Wake Forest goes into spring practice with a three-way competition at quarterback, a position the Demon Deacons have struggled with since Sam Hartman departed in 2022. Sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski returns, but Wake added two transfers: Robby Ashford from South Carolina and Deshawn Purdie, who played at Charlotte last season as a freshman before briefly signing with Florida in December, then opting to leave in January.

Player to watch: Running back Demond Claiborne is one of the most under-the-radar players in the country, so keeping him in the mix is huge for Wake Forest. As their leading rusher and a dynamic kickoff returner, Claiborne ranked No. 11 in the nation in all-purpose yards in 2024 with 131.7 per game.

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