DURHAM, N.C. — As the holidays approach, college basketball’s season turns to the conference schedule. The ACC as a group has had a strong early season, but the conference schedule will soon separate the strongest teams. Before that happens, here is a look at the ACC using RPI as a way to rank each team’s season so far and to spotlight a standout performer from each squad.
1. Duke Blue Devils (11-0)
The Blue Devils remain the undisputed gold standard, sitting at #6 in the RPI and #1 in the BPI. Jon Scheyer has scheduled with a “no-fear” mentality, and his squad has responded by dismantling everything in its path. Their collective length allows them to switch 1-through-4 defensively, creating a defensive web that has yet to be unraveled.
- Spotlight: Cameron Boozer. The freshman phenom is averaging 23.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, proving he isn’t just the future of the sport—he is the present.
2. North Carolina Tar Heels (10-1)
Currently #12 in the RPI, Hubert Davis’ crew is a defensive machine. They’ve strangled opponents to just 64.1 PPG while maintaining a top-tier strength of schedule. The Tar Heels aren’t just winning; they are dominating the glass with a +16.6 average margin, proving that they are as physical as they are fast.
- Spotlight: Caleb Wilson. The 6-foot-10 freshman is a defensive nightmare and an offensive unicorn, averaging 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds.
3. SMU Mustangs (9-2)
The Mustangs have rocketed to #16 in the RPI, making the loudest debut of any newcomer in conference history. Andy Enfield has his team playing with a lethal pace (88.6 PPG), and their signature road win at Mississippi State has the analytical models falling in love with this Dallas-based unit.
- Spotlight: Kevin “Boopie” Miller. A legitimate All-ACC candidate, Miller is the engine of the offense with 20.2 points and 6.5 assists per game.
4. Virginia Tech Hokies (10-2)
The Hokies occupy the #38 spot in the RPI, a testament to Mike Young’s revamped high-octane offense. Averaging 82.0 PPG, Tech is no longer just a “slow-down” team; they are a deep, dangerous squad that can shoot you out of the gym from five different positions.
- Spotlight: Amani Hansberry. The heartbeat of the frontcourt, Hansberry leads the team with 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
5. Louisville Cardinals (9-2)
Pat Kelsey has brought the “revved up” era to Louisville, pushing them to #45 in the RPI. The Cardinals lead the ACC in scoring at 91.4 points per game, utilizing a blitzkrieg style that forces opponents into mistakes. If they can clean up their road defense, they are a Final Four sleeper.
- Spotlight: Ryan Conwell. The Xavier transfer is a microwave scorer, averaging 19.6 points and stretching defenses to their breaking point.
6. Clemson Tigers (9-3)
Brad Brownell has once again built a “blue-collar” juggernaut that currently commands the #50 spot in the RPI. The Tigers have weaponized their defensive identity, ranking 4th nationally in three-point defense (allowing just 26.3%) and 6th in personal foul discipline.
- Spotlight: RJ Godfrey. The senior forward has stepped into the primary scoring role with authority, leading the Tigers with 11.4 points per game on hyper-efficient 65% shooting.
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-3)
Micah Shrewsberry has the Irish clicking at #53 in the RPI, riding a four-game win streak that features a perfect 7-0 home record. The Irish are a textbook “efficiency” program, playing a disciplined style that allows just 69.0 PPG. The emergence of a top-tier freshman class has given this roster a much higher ceiling than last season.
- Spotlight: Markus Burton. The scoring dynamo is averaging 18.5 points and 3.7 assists, while freshman star Jalen Haralson (14.1 PPG) has provided the elite wing scoring that has taken the pressure off the backcourt.
8. California Golden Bears (10-1)
Despite their gaudy record, the Bears land at #59 in the RPI due to a lighter early-season schedule. However, Mark Madsen’s intensity is undeniable. As ACC play begins, expect this ranking to climb as the Bears finally get the chance to test their 85.2 PPG offense against the elite.
- Spotlight: Dai Dai Ames. The floor general has been spectacular, recently clinching their 10th win with a buzzer-beating masterclass.
9. Virginia Cavaliers (9-1)
The Odom era is off to a statistically sound start, though the #68 RPI suggests there is still work to do in terms of strength of schedule. The defense remains elite (64.1 PPG allowed), but the offense is showing a fluidity that was absent for years in Charlottesville.
- Spotlight: Thijs De Ridder. The Belgian forward is the perfect modern big man, averaging 16.1 points while anchoring the “Pack Line” defense.
10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-3)
At #86 in the RPI, the Deacs are the quintessential “eye-test” team. They look like a top-25 unit when Hunter Sallis is cooking, but they need more consistent Quad-1 wins to satisfy the computers.
- Spotlight: Juke Harris. The sophomore forward has exploded as a premier scorer, averaging 20.1 points per game.
11. Miami Hurricanes (10-2)
The Hurricanes are an offensive juggernaut (88.2 PPG) currently lurking just outside the RPI top 70. Under Jai Lucas, they play a “three-guard” system that is almost impossible to prepare for in a 48-hour window.
- Spotlight: Malik Reneau. The hometown hero is putting up massive numbers, leading the Canes with 20.5 points per game.
12. NC State Wolfpack (8-4)
Recapturing the magic of March is a grind, and the Wolfpack sit at #99 in the RPI. Kevin Keatts has his team scoring at a high clip (89.3 PPG), but defensive consistency remains the primary hurdle.
- Spotlight: Darrion Williams. The Texas Tech transfer has been the catalyst for the Wolfpack’s offensive surge, leading the team with 16.0 points and 3.5 assists.
13. Stanford Cardinal (9-2)
Kyle Smith’s analytical approach has the Cardinal at #119 in the RPI. They are a smart, efficient team that specializes in taking away an opponent’s primary option.
- Spotlight: Maxime Raynaud. The 7-footer is a double-double machine and the most skilled big-man passer in the conference.
14. Syracuse Orange (7-4)
Adrian Autry’s group is sitting at #133 in the RPI. They have the talent to play with the top half of this list—as evidenced by their win over Tennessee—but bad losses have tanked their early metrics.
- Spotlight: Donnie Freeman. The sophomore forward has taken a massive leap, leading the Orange with 17.8 points per game.
15. Florida State Seminoles (5-6)
It’s a rebuild year for Luke Loucks, reflected in a #143 RPI. The Noles are learning a new, frenetic NBA-style system that hasn’t yet translated to the win column against high-major opponents.
- Spotlight: Robert McCray V. The senior floor general leads the squad with 14.4 points and a school-record pace of 6.8 assists per game.
16. Pittsburgh Panthers (6-6)
Jeff Capel’s Panthers are tied at #166 in the RPI. They are a dangerous “trap” team that can shoot 50% from deep on any given night, but they haven’t found the defensive grit to close out games.
- Spotlight: Cameron Corhen. The Florida State transfer has been a force in the paint, leading the Panthers with 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
17. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-4)
Damon Stoudamire has the Jackets at #191 in the RPI. They are building a culture of toughness in Atlanta, but the offensive output (73.7 PPG) needs to catch up to their defensive effort.
- Spotlight: Baye Ndongo. An athletic marvel who provides a highlight-reel block or dunk every ten minutes.
18. Boston College Eagles (5-6)
The Eagles are currently fighting for traction, sitting at #231 in the RPI. Earl Grant has his team playing a competitive brand of basketball, bolstered by a top-100 national defense that allows only 67.5 PPG. However, the offensive output (70.4 PPG) remains a work in progress as the team integrates a new rotation. Despite a 5-6 record, the Eagles have been resilient in close games, including a thrilling neutral-site overtime battle against Tulane.
- Spotlight: Donald Hand Jr. The junior guard is the undeniable focal point of the offense, leading the Eagles with 15.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. His fearless scoring mentality is the primary engine as BC heads into the holiday break.
The Road Ahead: As we turn the calendar toward the New Year, the ACC enters its most pivotal stretch. Next week features high-stakes non-conference finales—including Duke’s trip to Texas Tech and Virginia’s clash with Maryland—that will serve as the final resume-builders before the 20-game conference gauntlet begins.
