As the regular season winds down to its final week, the ACC is as chaotic and competitive as ever. Week 13 delivered some nail-biters and statement wins, with Georgia Tech holding firm at the top and Virginia keeping pace in the conference race. Miami’s dominant defense continues to shine, while Clemson sneaks back into contention with a thrilling upset over Louisville. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, these power rankings reflect not just records but recent form, strength of schedule, and that intangible “it” factor.
These rankings are our take heading into Week 14—factoring in conference dominance, overall body of work, and momentum from the latest slate of games (shoutout to those Week 13 thrillers like Clemson’s 20-19 road win at Louisville and Georgia Tech’s 36-34 escape at Boston College).
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1. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-1 overall, 6-1 Conference)
The Jackets remain a juggernaut, grinding out a gritty road win over a desperate Boston College squad to stay perfect in the loss column overall. Their balanced attack (360 points scored) and stout home record make them the conference’s best bet for the College Football Playoff. Next up: Non-conference finale vs. Georgia (rivalry alert!).
2. Virginia Cavaliers (9-2 overall, 6-1 Conference)
UVA co-leads the conference and showed poise in a 34-17 dismantling of Duke. Their defense has been lights-out (just 233 points allowed), and with two losses already, they’re all-in on that ACC title game berth. Next up: vs. Virginia Tech (home, Sat. Nov. 22, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN).
3. Miami Hurricanes (8-2 overall, 4-2 Conference)
Carson Beck and the Canes’ defense (only 142 points allowed!) suffocated NC State 41-7, proving they’re built for March… er, December. Losses sting, but this resume screams bowl favorite. Next up: at Virginia Tech (Sat. Nov. 22, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN).
4. SMU Mustangs (7-3 overall, 5-1 Conference)
The newcomers from Dallas are rolling with back-to-back wins, boasting a top-tier scoring margin (+118). Their transition to ACC power status feels real. Next up: vs. Louisville (home, Sat. Nov. 22, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
5. Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3 overall, 5-1 Conference)
Pitt’s high-powered offense (372 points!) took a hit with a 37-15 loss to Notre Dame, but their conference mark keeps them elite. If they rebound, the playoff conversation could include them. Next up: vs. Boston College (home, Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
6. Duke Blue Devils (5-5 overall, 4-2 Conference)
A tough 34-17 home loss to Virginia drops Duke, but their conference wins keep them relevant. Parity is the word in the ACC middle tier. Next up: at North Carolina (Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
7. Louisville Cardinals (7-3 overall, 4-3 Conference)
Heartbreaker in Friday’s 20-19 loss to Clemson— a field goal away from glory. Still, 7-3 is nothing to sneeze at for a potential New Year’s Six bid. Next up: at Kentucky (rivalry, Sat. Nov. 22, Noon ET, ACC Network).
8. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-3 overall, 4-3 Conference)
The Deacs are surging with a 28-12 thumping of UNC, showing life after a middling start. Next up: vs. Delaware (FCS, home, Sat. Nov. 22, 12 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
9. Clemson Tigers (5-5 overall, 4-4 Conference)
Dabo’s crew is back! Wins over FSU and now Louisville (20-19 on the road) inject hope into a rollercoaster season. Playoff? Nah. But relevance? Absolutely. Next up: at South Carolina (rivalry, Sat. Nov. 22, Noon ET, SEC Network).
10. California Golden Bears (6-4 overall, 3-3 Conference)
Cal grinded out a win, with a balanced attack keeping them bowl-eligible. Next up: vs. Stanford (Big Game, Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
11. Florida State Seminoles (5-5 overall, 2-5 Conference)
FSU snapped an ACC skid with a 34-14 rout of Virginia Tech, and their explosive offense (364 points) hints at untapped potential. Better late than never? Next up: at NC State (Fri. Nov. 21, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
12. NC State Wolfpack (5-5 overall, 2-4 Conference)
A 41-7 beatdown by Miami exposes defensive woes, but .500 keeps the Wolfpack in the mix for a decent postseason. Next up: vs. Florida State (home, Fri. Nov. 21, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
13. North Carolina Tar Heels (4-6 overall, 2-4 Conference)
Mack Brown’s squad fell 28-12 to Wake, extending a frustrating stretch. Rebuild mode continues. Next up: vs. Duke (home, Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
14. Virginia Tech Hokies (3-7 overall, 2-4 Conference)
Beaten 34-14 at home by FSU, the Hokies are limping to the finish. Time to hit the portal hard. Next up: vs. Miami (home, Sat. Nov. 22, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN).
15. Stanford Cardinal (3-7 overall, 2-5 Conference)
Three straight losses, including a narrow defeat at UNC earlier. The Cardinal need miracles for bowl hopes. Next up: at California (Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
16. Syracuse Orange (3-7 overall, 1-6 Conference)
A six-game skid has the Orange in freefall. Tough sledding ahead against a ranked foe. Next up: at Notre Dame (Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC).
17. Boston College Eagles (1-10 overall, 0-7 Conference)
A valiant 34-point effort fell just short to GT (36-34), but 1-10 is brutal. Next up: at Pittsburgh (Sat. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
Week 14 promises fireworks, especially those rivalry tilts. Who makes the ACC Championship Game? GT vs. UVA feels inevitable. Stay tuned—who’s crashing the playoff party?
What do you think of these rankings? Drop your hot takes in the comments. Follow us for Week 14 previews and beyond!
