Dark Horses to Reach the ACC Championship Game
While the top contenders for the ACC Championship—Clemson, Miami, SMU, Louisville, and Georgia Tech—are widely recognized, there are other teams flying under the radar that could make a strong push for a spot in the title game. Let’s look at some potential dark horses: North Carolina, Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Duke.
North Carolina 
It might be surprising to think of a Bill Belichick disciple as a dark horse, but that’s exactly what North Carolina is this season. With Belichick protege Bill Belichick at the helm, the Tar Heels will look to turn things around after finishing last season 6-7 and 3-5 in conference play. The key to their success could lie in sophomore quarterback Gio Lopez, who will need to guide the team through a challenging schedule. While Belichick brings a wealth of experience, his first year in college football might come with some hurdles along the way.
Florida State 
Florida State is coming off a dismal 2024 campaign that saw them win only two games, but there’s renewed hope in Tallahassee. A strong offseason has sparked optimism, especially with the hiring of new coordinators. Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn, known for his high-powered offenses, will lead an improved attack, with new quarterback Thomas Castellanos from Boston College joining the squad. On defense, Tony White, who came over from Nebraska, aims to strengthen the Seminoles’ defense after they allowed nearly 30 points per game last year. With these changes, Florida State has the tools to surprise the ACC this season.
Virginia Tech 
Virginia Tech is looking to make strides in 2025 with a focus on improving their offense. Last season, they struggled with consistency, particularly on third downs and maintaining possession. Quarterback Kyron Drones was often under pressure, and the offense as a whole wasn’t firing on all cylinders. To address these issues, head coach Brent Pry bolstered his roster through the transfer portal, bringing in lineman Thomas Rimac from West Virginia and wide receiver Donavon Greene from Wake Forest. With an improved offensive line and weapons like Greene, Virginia Tech has the potential to make a leap.
Duke 
Duke might be the most intriguing dark horse on this list. After losing quarterback Maalik Murphy to Oregon State, the Blue Devils turned to transfer quarterback Darien Mensah from Tulane. Mensah, one of the top QBs in the transfer portal, brings stability to the position, having thrown for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns at Tulane with just six interceptions. With one of the best offensive lines in the country and a defense that should improve under defensive-minded coach Manny Diaz, Duke has the pieces in place to make a deep run in the ACC.
Prediction
Any of these four teams could realistically make a push for the ACC Championship Game, but personally, I believe Duke has the best chance to surprise everyone and reach the title game. Mensah’s ability to protect the ball and make smart decisions, combined with an elite offensive line and a solid defense, makes the Blue Devils a dangerous contender. Expect them to be in the mix for a spot in the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte come December.
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