In this episode, the Tailgators crew previews the Atlantic Coast Conference.
This conference saw its post-season possibilities almost blow-up in its face thanks to a wacky tiebreaker rule. However, Miami earned the ACC its lone representative in the CFP, leap-frogging conference champion, Duke.
It was that kind of season for the ACC.
This year, the conference welcomes a new coach, while proven pro and college coaches try to establish themselves as conference players. Meanwhile, the heat is turned up on two of the conference’s most recently successful head men.
Watch the Tailgators Setup Podcast on Substack:
Atlantic Coast Conference: Power 4 (or are they?); 17 teams.
Defending Champion: Duke Blue Devils (don’t ask!)
Playoff Team(s) in 2025: Miami Hurricanes (again, don’t ask!)
2026 Favorites: Miami (+1100) according to DraftKings. SMU Mustangs (+10000) and Clemson Tigers (+11000).
The Coaches: James Franklin comes to Blacksburg. Bill Belichick’s second year in UNC. Dabo Swinney on the hot seat at Clemson. Is Florida State head coach Mike Norvell dead-man-walking in Tallahassee?
Meanwhile, is Mario Cristobal building a dynasty in Coral Gables?
Can Bill O’Brien build a foundation at Boston College?
For Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, is Alberto Mendoza the piece his team’s been missing?
And depending on what happens early on this season, could the ACC start the college coaching carousel this season?
The Transfer Portal:
Miami stole Duke’s quarterback, Darian Mensah! Mensah threw for 3,900 yards and 34 TDs last season. They also get defensive end Damon Wilson II, from Missouri, to replace Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, and he might even be better. Mensah also brought wide receiver Cooper Barkate, along with 72 receptions, 1,106 yards and 7 TDs, along with him from Duke.
Little brother Alberto Mendoza (18 for 24 for 286 yards and 5 TDs) comes to Georgia Tech following his back-up season at Indiana with Heisman Trophy-winning brother Fernando. Could he be better than Fernando?
Former Nittany Lion and Missouri Tiger, Beau Pribula, joins coach Tony Elliott and the Virginia Cavaliers.
Ashton Daniels (Auburn) will give Florida State coach Norvell a chance to finish the season.
Games To Watch:
Sept. 19: SMU at Louisville
Oct. 3: Miami at Clemson
Oct. 24: Virginia Tech at Clemson (Franklin’s first game against a projected Top 30 team) Brian’d Prediction: He’ll lose.
Nov. 7: Miami at Notre Dame (a faux ACC football member)
2025 Conference Standings:
ESPN Football Power Index:
Continuity Table:
The Tailgators Picks:
Gary McDaniel: Miami
Brian Lennon: Miami
John Crimella: Virginia
