The Outlook
After nearly a decade of turmoil following the departure of Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State Seminoles have returned to national prominence. The Noles won 10 games last season under Mike Norvell and seem to be primed to make their return to the top of the conference. Waiting for them atop the throne is an all too familiar foe, the Clemson Tigers. Dabo Swinney has dominated the ACC for the last decade and has no plans of relinquishing the crown. The Tigers will seemingly rely on a deeper roster and more physical defense when these two heavyweights meet on September 23rd in Death Valley, while the Seminoles will rely on their flashier star power and skill position talent.
The ACC’s hopes of being represented in the College Football Playoff this season hinge on the success of these two powerhouse programs. They hinge on a gigantic Week 1 tilt between Florida State and LSU, the aforementioned Week 4 meeting between FSU and Clemson, and of course, the ACC Championship game where I ultimately think the Noles and Tigers will meet again for all the marbles. A 12-1 ACC champion this season should be more than enough for a bid to the College Football Playoff. Therefore, the main question becomes whether or not FSU or Clemson will be able to make that happen.
Outside of the two conference frontrunners lies an intriguing pack of middle tier squads that have the potential to win 8 or 9 ball games in the regular season. This group contains NC State, Louisville, Pitt, North Carolina, Miami and possibly Duke (if all breaks right). While each of these teams have clear flaws, they also have ceilings that could see them finishing third in the conference. Boston College, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Virginia are what I would consider the basement of the ACC in 2023. While there are individual units on these teams that could be solid (Virginia Tech’s defense, Virginia’s defense), these are not complete teams and will for the most part struggle this coming season.
The Standings Projection
| Projected Order of Finish | Projected Record |
|---|---|
| 1. Clemson | 11-1 (7-1) |
| 2. Florida State | 11-1 (7-1) |
| 3. NC State | 9-3 (6-2) |
| 4. Louisville | 8-4 (6-2) |
| 5. Pittsburgh | 8-4 (5-3) |
| 6. North Carolina | 8-4 (5-3) |
| 7. Miami | 7-5 (4-4) |
| 8. Duke | 6-6 (3-5) |
| 9. Syracuse | 6-6 (3-5) |
| 10. Wake Forest | 5-7 (3-5) |
| 11. Boston College | 6-6 (2-6) |
| 12. Virginia Tech | 5-7 (2-6) |
| 13. Georgia Tech | 4-8 (2-6) |
| 14. Virginia | 2-10 (1-7) |
The Team Breakdowns
Clemson
It feels like the College Football media has collectively forgotten about the Clemson Tigers. Talent-wise, this team is still stacked, especially defensively. There are questions at the skill positions and, of course, the biggest question is QB Cade Klubnik. I think Garrett Riley at OC is going to exponentially raise Klubnik’s ceiling and propel the Tigers right back into the thick of the playoff mix.
Team MVPs
QB Cade Klubnik
RB Will Shipley
DL Ruke Orhorhoro
LB Barrett Carter
S Andrew Mukuba
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 2 Cade Klubnik SO | 18 Hunter Helms RS JR |
| RB | 1 Will Shipley JR | 7 Phil Mafah JR |
| WR-X | 8 Adam Randall SO | 10 Tony Stellato RS SO |
| WR-Z | 80 Beaux Collins JR | 22 Cole Turner RS FR |
| WR-SL | 0 Antonio Williams SO | 13 Brannon Spector RS SR |
| TE | 9 Jake Briningstool JR | 11 Sage Ennis GR |
| LT | 71 Tristan Leigh RS SO | 50 Collin Sadler RS FR |
| LG | 74 Marcus Tate JR | 77 Mitchell Mayes SR |
| C | 56 Will Putnam GR | 53 Ryan Linthicum RS SO |
| RG | 64 Walker Parks SR | 73 Bryn Tucker RS JR |
| RT | 78 Blake Miller SO | 76 John Williams RS JR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 7 Justin Mascoll GR | 12 T.J. Parker FR |
| NT | 13 Tyler Davis GR | 55 Payton Page JR |
| DT | 33 Ruke Orhorhoro GR | 11 Peter Woods FR |
| RDE | 3 Xavier Thomas SR | 44 Cade Denhoff RS SO |
| WLB | 0 Barrett Carter JR | 31 Kobe McCloud RS FR |
| MLB | 54 Jeremiah Trotter Jr. JR | 26 T.J. Dudley RS FR |
| SLB | 17 Wade Woodaz SO | 36 Khalil Barnes FR |
| LCB | 6 Sheridan Jones GR | 23 Toriano Pride Jr. SO |
| SS | 1 Andrew Mukuba JR | 9 R.J. Mickens SR |
| FS | 25 Jalyn Phillips GR | 24 Tyler Venables SR |
| RCB | 2 Nate Wiggins JR | 10 Jeadyn Lukus SO |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Dabo Swinney |
| OC/QBs | Garrett Riley |
| DC/LBs | Wes Goodwin |
| CO-DC/Safeties | Mickey Conn |
| Special Teams/CBs | Mike Reed |
| DTs | Nick Eason |
| WRs | Tyler Grisham |
| TEs | Kyle Richardson |
| OL | Thomas Austin |
| DEs | Lemanski Hall |
| RBs | C.J. Spiller |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 12
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 8
- Returning Production (Offense): 64% (65)
- Returning Production (Defense): 70% (34)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: YES (72%)
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 11 (2023), 10 (2022), 5 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 33.2 PPG (4th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 20.1 PPG (3rd ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 47.6% (2nd ACC)
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1), 1st ACC
Florida State
Florida State isn’t as stacked as Clemson from a depth and talent perspective, but their talent at key positions is tantalizing. They have a top five receiving corps in the country and a stud TE in Jaheim Bell, who transferred in from South Carolina. Jared Verse is an elite edge rusher and will be a first round pick in the NFL Draft in 2024. While the floor for FSU is lower than it is for Clemson, I think that the ceiling may be a tad higher if Jordan Travis reaches his peak potential.
Team MVPs
QB Jordan Travis
WR Johnny Wilson
TE Jaheim Bell
DL Patrick Payton
DL Jared Verse
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 13 Jordan Travis RS SR | 18 Tate Rodemaker RS JR |
| RB | 3 Trey Benson RS JR | 9 Lawrence Toafili RS JR |
| WR-X | 14 Johnny Wilson RS JR | 88 Kentron Poitier RS JR |
| WR-Z | 4 Keon Coleman JR | 21 Darion Williamson RS JR |
| WR-SL | 1 Winston Wright Jr. RS SR | 00 Ja’Khi Douglas RS JR |
| TE | 6 Jaheim Bell RS JR | 84 Kyle Morlock RS JR |
| LT | 52 Robert Scott Jr. RS JR | 58 Bless Harris RS SR |
| LG | 70 Casey Roddick RS SR | 75 Keiondre Jones RS JR |
| C | 53 Maurice Smith RS JR | 67 Thomas Shrader RS JR |
| RG | 71 D’Mitri Emmanuel RS SR | 76 Darius Washington RS JR |
| RT | 63 Jeremiah Byers RS JR | 72 Julian Armella RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 11 Patrick Payton RS SO | 54 Byron Turner Jr. RS SO |
| LDT | 00 Fabien Lovett Sr. RS SR | 6 Dennis Briggs Jr. RS SR |
| RDT | 55 Braden Fiske RS SR | 14 Darrell Jackson Jr. JR |
| RDE | 5 Jared Verse RS JR | 19 Gilber Edmond RS JR |
| MLB | 4 Kalen DeLoach RS SR | 10 DJ Lundy RS JR |
| WLB | 15 Tatum Bethune RS SR | 36 Omar Graham Jr. RS FR |
| LCB | 23 Fentrell Cypress III RS JR | 7 Jarrian Jones RS SR |
| SS | 1 Akeem Dent RS SR | 27 Ashlynd Barker RS FR |
| FS | 38 Shyheim Brown RS SO | 24 K.J. Kirkland FR |
| RCB | 8 Renardo Green RS SR | 20 Azareye’h Thomas SO |
| NB | 21 Greedy Vance Jr. RS JR | 3 Kevin Knowles II JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Mike Norvell |
| OC/OL | Alex Atkins |
| DC | Adam Fuller |
| Special Teams/DEs | John Papuchis |
| CO-DC/LBs | Randy Shannon |
| TEs | Chris Thomsen |
| DTs | Odell Haggins |
| WRs | Ron Dugans |
| RBs | David Johnson |
| DBs | Patrick Surtain Sr. |
| QBs | Tony Tokarz |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 10
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 29
- Returning Production (Offense): 80% (9)
- Returning Production (Defense): 78% (11)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 19 (2023), 20 (2022), 23 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 36.1 (Tied 1st ACC)
- Points Allowed: 19.7 (2nd ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 51.2% (1st ACC)
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1), 2nd ACC
NC State
The Wolfpack are always steady and rock solid under Dave Doeren and his staff. I think the QB/OC duo of Brennan Armstrong (Virginia transfer) and Robert Anae (Syracuse OC in 2022) will work wonders for NC State. The defense will be dependable and consistent as always, and the schedule is quite favorable. I think NC State will be able to punk some inferior opponents and get to nine wins in 2023.
Team MVPs
QB Brennan Armstrong
RT Timothy McKay
DL Davin Vann
LB Payton Wilson
CB Aydan White
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 5 Brennan Armstrong GR | 7 MJ Morris SO |
| RB | 3 Jordan Houston SR | 2 Michael Allen SO |
| WR-X | 15 Keyon Lesane SR | 85 Anthony Smith RS SO |
| WR-Z | 82 Terrell Timmons Jr. SO | 8 Julian Gray RS SO |
| WR-SL | 4 Porter Rooks JR | 80 Kevin Concepcion FR |
| TE | 6 Trent Pennix GR | 11 Juice Vereen FR |
| LT | 74 Anthony Belton RS JR | 76 Patrick Matan RS SO |
| LG | 69 Dawson Jaramillo GR | 56 Lydon Cooper RS SO |
| C | 54 Dylan McMahon RS JR | 55 Rylan Vann RS FR |
| RG | 53 Derrick Eason GR | 75 Anthony Carter Jr. RS SO |
| RT | 52 Timothy McKay RS JR | 62 Jaleel Davis RS SO |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 45 Davin Vann JR | 97 Noah Potter GR |
| NT | 5 C.J. Clark RS JR | 46 Nick Campbell RS FR |
| RDE | 9 Savion Jackson JR | 13 Travali Price RS SO |
| WLB | 11 Payton Wilson GR | 33 Jordan Poole RS SO |
| MLB | 26 Devon Betty JR | 27 Jayland Parker RS SO |
| SLB | 2 Jaylon Scott SR | 10 Caden Fordham RS SO |
| LCB | 3 Aydan White JR | 14 Renté Hinton SO |
| SS | 12 Devan Boykin JR | 16 Rakeim Ashford GR |
| FS | 6 Jakeen Harris SR | 20 Sean Brown RS SO |
| RCB | 7 Shyheim Battle RS JR | 22 Teshaun Smith GR |
| NB | 8 Robert Kennedy GR | 30 Isaiah Crowell RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Dave Doeren |
| OC/TEs | Robert Anae |
| DC/LBs | Tony Gibson |
| WRs | Joker Phillips |
| Nickels | Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay |
| Safeties | Joe DeForest |
| CBs | Brian Mitchell |
| QBs | Kurt Roper |
| OL | Garett Tujague |
| Special Teams/RBs | Todd Goebbel |
| DL | Charley Wiles |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 43
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 43
- Returning Production (Offense): 60% (79)
- Returning Production (Defense): 50% (107)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 43 (2023), 64 (2022), 36 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 24.3 (9th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 19.4 (1st ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 36.2% (10th ACC)
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2), 3rd ACC
Louisville
The talk of the offseason in the ACC has been about how easy Louisville’s schedule is in 2023. While it is favorable, I actually think NC State has the easier schedule between the two. Nonetheless, Jeff Brohm is a major upgrade over Scott Satterfield at HC. He brings in a QB who formerly played for him at Purdue in Jack Plummer (Cal transfer), and some intriguing portal talent on both sides of the ball. I think Plummer’s familiarity with Brohm’s system will lead to Louisville being a good ACC team right away and taking advantage of the weaker schedule.
Team MVPs
QB Jack Plummer
RB Jawhar Jordan
C Bryan Hudson
DL Ashton Gillotte
CB Jarvis Brownlee
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 13 Jack Plummer RS SR | 19 Brock Domann RS SR |
| RB | 25 Jawhar Jordan RS JR | 23 Isaac Guerendo RS SR |
| WR-X | 1 Jamari Thrash RS SR | 0 Chris Bell SO |
| WR-Z | 18 Jadon Thompson SR | 7 Jimmy Calloway RS JR |
| WR-SL | 3 Kevin Coleman SO | 9 Ahmari Huggins-Bruce JR |
| TE | 11 Jamari Johnson FR | 42 Josh Lifson GR |
| LT | Eric Miller RS SR | 55 Willie Tyler RS SR |
| LG | 67 John Paul Flores RS SR | 73 Madden Sanker FR |
| C | 70 Bryan Hudson RS SR | 51 Austin Collins RS SO |
| RG | 68 Michael Gonzalez JR | 71 Joshua Black RS JR |
| RT | 56 Renato Brown RS JR | 53 Lance Robinson RS JR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 9 Ashton Gillotte JR | 95 Mason Reiger RS JR |
| NT | 93 Jared Dawson RS SO | 91 Tawfiq Thomas SO |
| DT | 99 Dezmond Tell SR | 57 Jeff Clark RS SR |
| LEO | 19 Popeye Williams SO | 14 Stephen Herron RS SR |
| WLB | 34 TJ Quinn RS SO | 17 Jackson Hamilton RS SO |
| MLB | 22 Keith Brown JR | 24 Jaylin Alderman RS SO |
| STAR | 10 Benjamin Perry RS SO | 18 Gilbert Frierson RS SR |
| LCB | 2 Jarvis Brownlee Jr. RS JR | 29 Storm Duck RS SR |
| SS | 5 Josh Minkins SR | 11 Cam’Ron Kelly RS SR |
| FS | 26 M.J. Griffin RS JR | 27 Devin Neal SR |
| RCB | 3 Quincy Riley RS SR | 31 Marcus Washington RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Jeff Brohm |
| OC/QBs | Brian Brohm |
| CO-DC/DL | Mark Hagen |
| CO-DC/Secondary | Ron English |
| RBs | Chris Barclay |
| CBs | Steve Ellis |
| LBs | Mark Ivey |
| Special Teams | Karl Maslowski |
| WRs | Garrick McGee |
| OL | Richard Owens |
| TEs | Ryan Wallace |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 36
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 33
- Returning Production (Offense): 67% (53)
- Returning Production (Defense): 54% (87)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 31 (2023), 50 (2022), 40 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 26.9 (8th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 20.2 (4th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 37.9% (8th ACC)
Projected Record: 8-4 (6-2), 4th ACC
Pittsburgh
Pat Narduzzi has been disrespected all offseason long because of his out-of-the-box comments about the direction of College Football in the future, but he’s still a damn good coach on the field. His teams are consistent, tough and physical in the trenches, and 2023 will be no different. Phil Jurkovec was thrown to the wolves behind a porous offensive line at Boston College, but a fresh start at Pitt should do wonders for his confidence and abilities on the field. The defense will be good as always, which will result in Pitt winning eight games this season.
Team MVPs
QB Phil Jurkovec
WR Bub Means
DL David Green
NB Bangally Kamara
CB M.J. Devonshire
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 5 Phil Jurkovec RS SR | 11 Christian Veilleux RS SO |
| RB | 6 Rodney Hammond Jr. JR | 24 C’Bo Flemister RS SR |
| WR-X | 81 Daejon Reynolds RS SO | 84 Jack McConnachie RS JR |
| WR-Z | 15 Bub Means RS JR | 27 Israel Polk FR |
| WR-SL | 9 Konata Mumpfield JR | 83 Lamar Seymore FR |
| TE | 86 Gavin Bartholomew JR | 8 Karter Johnson RS SR |
| LT | 78 Branson Taylor RS JR | 70 Ryan Baer RS FR |
| LG | 61 Ryan Jacoby RS SR | 51 Dorrien Ford RS SO |
| C | 53 Jake Kradel RS SR | 55 BJ Williams FR |
| RG | 68 Blake Zubovic RS SR | 74 Terrence Enos Jr. RS SO |
| RT | 75 Matt Goncalves RS SR | 50 Jason Collier Jr. RS SR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 50 Dayon Hayes SR | 57 Bam Brima RS SR |
| LDT | 95 Devin Danielson RS SR | 92 Tyler Bentley RS SR |
| RDT | 2 David Green RS SR | 90 Deandre Jules RS SR |
| RDE | 4 Nahki Johnson RS SO | 16 Nate Temple RS SR |
| MONEY | 23 Solomon DeShields RS JR | 47 Aydin Henningham RS JR |
| MLB | 32 Shayne Simon RS SR | 30 Brandon George RS SR |
| STAR | 11 Bangally Kamara SR | 38 Kyle Louis RS FR |
| LCB | 12 M.J. Devonshire RS SR | 9 A.J. Woods RS SR |
| SS | 20 Javon McIntyre RS SO | 3 Donovan McMillon JR |
| FS | 22 Phillip O’Brien Jr. JR | 37 Stephon Hall RS SO |
| RCB | 14 Marquis Williams RS SR | 18 Ryland Gandy RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Pat Narduzzi |
| OC/QBs | Frank Cignetti Jr. |
| DC | Randy Bates |
| DL | Charlie Partridge |
| Special Teams/RBs | Andre Powell |
| WRs | Tiquan Underwood |
| OL | Dave Borbely |
| Secondary | Archie Collins |
| LBs | Ryan Manalac |
| TEs | Tim Salem |
| Safeties | Cory Sanders |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 41
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 37
- Returning Production (Offense): 52% (101)
- Returning Production (Defense): 51% (102)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 51 (2023), 76 (2022), 28 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 31.3 (6th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 23.4 (7th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 39.1% (7th ACC)
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3), 5th ACC
North Carolina
Drake Maye is incredible and will win games on his own for UNC again in 2023. With that being said, the roster around him is relatively pitiful. This is a bottom five staff in the ACC in my opinion, even with a coaching legend in Mack Brown at the helm. The Heels defense will be awful again this season, but I think Drake Maye wizardry will still power this team to eight wins.
Team MVPs
QB Drake Maye
WR Nate McCollum
TE Bryson Nesbit
LB Cedric Gray
LB Power Echols
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 10 Drake Maye RS SO | 15 Conner Harrell RS FR |
| RB | 21 Elijah Green RS JR | 24 British Brooks GR |
| WR-X | 5 J.J. Jones JR | 1 Andre Green Jr. SO |
| WR-Z | 9 Devontez Walker RS JR * | 2 Gavin Blackwell RS SO |
| WR-SL | 6 Nate McCollum SR | 8 Kobe Paysour RS SO |
| TE | 18 Bryson Nesbit JR | 88 Kamari Morales GR |
| LT | 76 William Barnes RS SR | 61 Diego Pounds RS SO |
| LG | 63 Ed Montilus GR | 64 Malik McGowan RS JR |
| C | 65 Corey Gaynor GR | 54 Chance Carroll RS JR |
| RG | 53 Willie Lampkin SR | 52 Jonathan Adorno SR |
| RT | 75 Spencer Rolland GR | 78 Trevyon Green RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 10 Desmond Evans SR | 93 Jacolbe Cowan RS JR |
| NT | 98 Kevin Hester Jr. RS SR | 56 Tomari Fox RS SR |
| DT | 8 Myles Murphy SR | 5 Jahvaree Ritzie JR |
| JACK | 3 Amari Gainer GR | 25 Kaimon Rucker SR |
| MLB | 33 Cedric Gray SR | 44 Randy Caldwell SO |
| WLB | 23 Power Echols JR | 17 Amare Campbell FR |
| FCB | 28 Alijah Huzzie JR | 6 Lejond Cavazos |
| FS | 27 Giovanni Biggers GR | 31 Will Hardy SO |
| BS | 7 Derrik Allen GR | 2 Don Chapman SR |
| BCB | 9 Armani Chatman GR | 29 Marcus Allen SO |
| STAR | 16 DeAndre Boykins JR | 0 Antavious Lane GR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Mack Brown |
| OC/QBs | Chip Lindsey |
| CO-DC/ILBs | Tommy Thigpen |
| CO-DC/DBs | Charlton Warren |
| Assistant HC for Defense | Gene Chizik |
| WRs | Lonnie Galloway |
| Special Teams/RBs | Larry Porter |
| OL | Randy Clements |
| DL | Tim Cross |
| CBs | Jason Jones |
| TEs | Freddie Kitchens |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 28
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 50
- Returning Production (Offense): 84% (3)
- Returning Production (Defense): 74% (20)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 30 (2023), 11 (2022), 14 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 34.4 (3rd ACC)
- Points Allowed: 31 (14th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 46.3% (3rd ACC)
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3), 6th ACC
Miami
Miami is the toughest team to predict in the ACC and maybe the country for the 2023 season. Tyler Van Dyke showed flashes in 2021, but really struggled in 2022. The Hurricanes bring in two new coordinators. If they hit on both, there is enough talent here for the Canes to win 9 or 10 games. If they whiffed on both (like they did in 2021), they will be a disaster again. Mario Cristobal has shown he’s an elite recruiter, but I question his on-field coaching prowess. Ultimately, I think Miami will improve and reach a bowl game in 2023, but they’ll fail yet again to reach the ceiling that their talent provides.
Team MVPs
QB Tyler Van Dyke
C Matt Lee
DL Leonard Taylor
DL Jahfari Harvey
S Kamren Kinchens
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 9 Tyler Van Dyke RS JR | 11 Jaccuri Brown SO |
| RB | 21 Henry Parrish Jr. JR | 0 Mark Fletcher FR |
| WR-X | 4 Colbie Young JR | 16 Isaiah Horton RS FR |
| WR-Z | 15 Jacolby George JR | 12 Robby Washington FR |
| WR-F | 7 Xavier Restrepo JR | 0 Brashard Smith JR |
| TE | Cam McCormick RS SR | 80 Elijah Arroyo JR |
| LT | 60 Zion Nelson RS SR | 63 Samson Okunlola FR |
| LG | 70 Javion Cohen SR | 50 Laurance Seymore RS SR |
| C | 55 Matt Lee RS SR | 56 Jonathan Denis RS SO |
| RG | 64 Jalen Rivers RS SO | 73 Anez Cooper SO |
| RT | 61 Francis Mauigoa FR | 78 Matthew McCoy RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 12 Jahfari Harvey RS JR | 9 Nyjalik Kelly SO |
| LDT | 56 Leonard Taylor III JR | 0 Branson Deen RS SR |
| RDT | 81 Jared Harrison-Hunte RS JR | 55 Jacob Lichtenstein RS SR |
| RDE | 3 Akheem Mesidor RS JR | 13 Chantz Williams JR |
| WLB | 31 Wesley Bissainthe SO | 4 Keontra Smith RS SR |
| MLB | 51 Francisco Mauigoa JR | 11 Corey Flagg Jr. JR |
| LCB | 7 Davonte Brown SR | 0 Damari Brown FR |
| SS | 20 James Williams JR | 15 Markeith Williams RS FR |
| FS | 5 Kamren Kinchens JR | 27 Brian Balom RS SO |
| RCB | 2 Daryl Porter Jr. RS JR | 0 Jaden Davis SR |
| NB | 0 Te’Cory Couch RS SR | 19 Jaden Harris RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Mario Cristobal |
| OC/QBs | Shannon Dawson |
| DC | Lance Guidry |
| OL | Alex Mirabal |
| DL | Joe Salave’a |
| RBs | Tim Harris Jr. |
| Secondary | Jahmile Addae |
| WRs | Kevin Beard |
| TEs | Stephen Field |
| DEs | Jason Taylor |
| LBs | Derek Nicholson |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 37
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 64
- Returning Production (Offense): 65% (59)
- Returning Production (Defense): 73% (23)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: YES (61%)
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 7 (2023), 16 (2022), 11 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 23.6 (10th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 26.8 (10th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 40.4% (6th ACC)
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4), 7th ACC
Duke
Mike Elko has done an incredible job of turning the Duke Blue Devils around after just one season. They return a very good QB in Riley Leonard this season, as well as basically everyone else on offense. I don’t see Duke matching their 2022 win total of nine because the schedule is considerably more difficult, but I do think they’ll make it back to a bowl game.
Team MVPs
QB Riley Leonard
WR Jalon Calhoun
LT Graham Barton
DL DeWayne Carter
NB Brandon Johnson
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 13 Riley Leonard JR | 3 Henry Belin IV RS FR |
| RB | 22 Jaylen Coleman GR | 7 Jordan Waters GR |
| WR-X | 8 Jordan Moore JR | 18 Malik Bowen-Sims SR |
| WR-Z | 6 Eli Pancol GR | 2 Sahmir Hagans RS SO |
| WR-Y | 5 Jalon Calhoun RS SR | 1 Jontavius Robertson SR |
| TE | 81 Nick Dalmolin SR | 82 Cole Finney RS JR |
| LT | 62 Graham Barton SR | 53 Brian Parker II RS FR |
| LG | 71 Maurice McIntyre GR | 72 Matt Craycraft RS FR |
| C | 63 Jacob Monk GR | 0 Scott Elliott RS JR |
| RG | 77 Justin Pickett RS SO | 0 Ben Hoitink RS JR |
| RT | 73 Jake Hornibrook GR | 0 Jacob Long RS JR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 94 R.J. Oben RS SR | 93 Anthony Nelson GR |
| NT | 5 Ja’Mion Franklin RS SR | 16 Aeneas Peebles SR |
| DT | 90 DeWayne Carter RS SR | 96 Aaron Hall RS SO |
| RDE | 19 Vincent Anthony Jr. SO | 59 Michael Reese RS JR |
| WLB | 35 Cam Dillon GR | 12 Tre Freeman RS SO |
| MLB | 8 Dorian Mausi SR | 36 Nick Morris Jr. RS SO |
| LCB | 26 Joshua Pickett JR | 7 Al Blades Jr. GR |
| SS | 2 Jaylen Stinson SR | 11 Isaiah Fisher-Smith SR |
| FS | 23 Terry Moore SO | 10 James Hopson II RS JR |
| RCB | 0 Chandler Rivers SO | 1 Myles Jones GR |
| NB | 3 Brandon Johnson JR | 4 Cam Bergeron JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Mike Elko |
| OC/QBs | Kevin Johns |
| DC/LBs | Tyler Santucci |
| CO-DC/DL | Jess Simpson |
| RBs | Trooper Taylor |
| CBs | Ishmael Aristide |
| DEs | Harland Bower |
| WRs | Zohn Burden |
| OL | Adam Cushing |
| Special Teams/TEs | Patrick Dougherty |
| Safeties | Lyle Hemphill |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 55
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 67
- Returning Production (Offense): 78% (15)
- Returning Production (Defense): 67% (45)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 56 (2023), 51 (2022), 57 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 32.8 (5th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 22.8 (6th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 42.1% (5th ACC)
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5), 8th ACC
Syracuse
Despite the offseason rumors, Dino Babers is not on the hot seat, nor should he be. Syracuse should have realistic expectations about their program, and Babers has delivered some consistency. Garrett Shrader, a solid QB, returns in 2023 alongside elite receiver/tight end hybrid Oronde Gadsden. I think the defense will take a slight step back under the tutelage of the godfather of the 3-3-5 defense, Rocky Long. All-in-all, Syracuse will be a mediocre team in 2023. 6-6 and 5-7 are the two most likely outcomes for the Orange.
Team MVPs
QB Garrett Shrader
WR/TE Oronde Gadsden
LG Kalan Ellis
DL Caleb Okechukwu
LB Marlowe Wax
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 6 Garrett Shrader SR | 16 Carlos Del Rio-Wilson RS SO |
| RB | 28 Juwaun Price RS SR | 20 LeQuint Allen SO* |
| WR-X | 80 Isaiah Jones RS SR | 17 Umari Hatcher RS SO |
| WR-Z | 5 Damien Alford RS JR | 85 D’Marcus Adams RS SR |
| WR-SL | 19 Oronde Gadsden II JR | 2 Trebor Pena SR |
| TE | 81 Maximilian Mang SR | 89 Dan Villari RS SO |
| LT | 70 Enrique Cruz Jr. RS SO | 72 Mark Petry RS SR |
| LG | 76 Kalan Ellis JR | 75 Austyn Kauhi RS SO |
| C | 55 Josh Ilaoa SR | 0 J’Onre Reed JR |
| RG | 74 Jakob Bradford RS SR | 73 Wes Hoeh RS SO |
| RT | 77 Joe More RS SR | 0 David Wohlabaugh Jr. RS SO |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 52 Braylen Ingraham RS JR | 94 Kevin Jobity Jr. SO |
| NT | 90 Terry Lockett RS SO | 0 Kevon Darton RS SR |
| RDE | 4 Caleb Okechukwu RS SR | 58 Denis Jaquez Jr. SO |
| WLB | 7 Stefon Thompson RS JR | 12 Anwar Sparrow RS JR |
| MLB | 2 Marlowe Wax SR | 42 Austin Roon RS SO |
| SLB | 15 Derek McDonald RS SO | 16 Leon Lowery RS JR |
| LCB | 20 Isaiah Johnson RS SR | 11 Jaeden Gould RS FR |
| ROVER | 8 Justin Barron SR | 21 Bralyn Oliver RS SO |
| FS | 5 Alijah Clark JR | 0 Jalil Martin RS FR |
| RCB | 24 Jeremiah Wilson SO | 22 Quan Peterson RS FR |
| NB | 14 Jason Simmons Jr. SR | 43 Cornell Perry RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Dino Babers |
| OC/QBs | Jason Beck |
| DC/LBs | Rocky Long |
| Special Teams | Bob Ligashesky |
| DL | Chris Achuff |
| TEs | Nunzio Campanile |
| OL | Steve Farmer |
| CBs | Travis Fisher |
| WRs | Michael Johnson |
| RBs | Mike Lynch |
| Safeties/Rovers | Darrell Perkins |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 52
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 57
- Returning Production (Offense): 74% (27)
- Returning Production (Defense): 72% (26)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 88 (2023), 68 (2022), 60 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 27.7 (7th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 22.7 (5th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 37.1% (9th ACC)
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5), 9th ACC
Wake Forest
Dave Clawson is one of the better coaches in the country. Consistently making a bowl game at Wake Forest and producing a line of quality, NFL-caliber quarterbacks is nearly impossible, yet he’s done it. I trust Clawson will have new QB Mitch Griffis ready to perform admirably, which will lead to the offense being relatively prolific again. With that being said, Griffis is no Sam Hartman, and the defense will be porous. I ultimately think Wake Forest takes a step back in 2023, but I would not be surprised if Clawson and co. pick off some teams they shouldn’t again this season.
Team MVPs
QB Mitch Griffis
RB Justice Ellison
WR Jahmal Banks
LG Michael Jurgens
LB Chase Jones
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 12 Mitch Griffis RS SO | 15 Michael Kern RS JR |
| RB | 6 Justice Ellison JR | 23 Demond Claiborne SO |
| WR-X | 80 Jahmal Banks JR | 81 Wesley Grimes SO |
| WR-Z | 0 Walker Merrill JR | 11 Donavon Greene RS JR * |
| WR-SL | 2 Taylor Morin RS JR | 13 Ke’Shawn Williams JR |
| TE | 20 Cameron Hite RS JR | 40 Gavin Ellis RS SO |
| LT | 52 Spencer Clapp RS SR | 72 Erik Russell RS SO |
| LG | 55 Michael Jurgens RS SR | 77 George Sell RS SO |
| C | 74 Luke Petitbon RS SO | 65 Hank Lucas RS FR |
| RG | 70 Nick Sharpe RS SO | 54 Matt Gulbin RS SO |
| RT | 62 DeVonte Gordon RS JR | 71 CJ Elmonus RS JR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 30 Jasheen Davis JR | |
| LDT | 91 Kevin Pointer RS JR | 0 Bryce Ganious JR |
| RDT | 44 Justin Williams RS JR | 0 Nick Helbig SR |
| RDE | 35 Kendron Wayman JR | 15 Jaylen Hudson RS JR |
| BUCK | 21 Chase Jones SR | 26 Quincy Bryant RS SO |
| MLB | 0 Jacob Roberts SR | 50 Dylan Hazen RS SO |
| LCB | 1 Caelen Carson JR | 32 Jamare Glasker RS FR |
| SS | 3 Malik Mustapha JR | 22 AJ Williams RS JR |
| FS | 9 Chelen Garnes SR | 18 Brendon Harris RS SR |
| RCB | 10 DaShawn Jones RS SO | 17 Zamari Stevenson SO |
| NB | 14 Evan Slocum JR | 45 Nick Andersen RS SO |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Dave Clawson |
| OC/QBs | Warren Ruggiero |
| DC | Brad Lambert |
| DL | Dave Cohen |
| Special Teams/TEs | Wayne Lineburg |
| Safeties | James Adams |
| WRs | Ari Confesor |
| RBs | John Hunter |
| OL | Nick Tabacca |
| LBs | Glenn Spencer |
| CBs | Chip West |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 51
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 40
- Returning Production (Offense): 44% (115)
- Returning Production (Defense): 58% (79)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 53 (2023), 71 (2022), 66 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 36.1 (2nd ACC)
- Points Allowed: 29.3 (12th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 46% (4th ACC)
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5), 10th ACC
Boston College
Boston College will be improved in 2023, but not substantially. I think they’ll capitalize on a soft non-conference schedule and then do just enough in ACC play (2-6) to make a bowl. Emmett Morehead is a better QB than what the other teams in the basement of this conference have, but he’s not anything special. A bowl bid should be enough to save Jeff Hafley’s job for the foreseeable future.
Team MVPs
WR Ryan O’Keefe
RG Christian Mahogany
DL Donovan Ezeiruaku
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 14 Emmett Morehead RS SO | 0 Thomas Castellanos SO |
| RB | 14 Pat Garwo III RS SR | 20 Alex Broome SO |
| WR-X | 2 Joseph Griffin Jr. SO | 0 Jaden Williams JR |
| WR-Z | 4 Ryan O’Keefe GR | 84 Taji Johnson SR |
| WR-F | 13 Dino Tomlin RS SR | 11 Lewis Bond RS SO |
| TE | 80 George Takacs GR | 17 Jeremiah Franklin SO |
| LT | 70 Ozzy Trapilo RS JR | 77 Jude Bowry SO |
| LG | 60 Kyle Hergel GR | 79 Kevin Cline RS JR |
| C | 66 Drew Kendall RS SO | 78 Jackson Ness RS SR |
| RG | 73 Christian Mahogany RS SR | 53 Dwayne Allick RS JR |
| RT | 65 Logan Taylor RS SO | 67 Jack Conley RS SR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 19 Neto Okpala JR | 13 Khris Banks RS SR |
| NT | 96 Cam Horsley SR | 74 Owen Stoudmire RS SO |
| DT | 55 Kwan Williams SO | 91 George Rooks RS SO |
| RDE | 6 Donovan Ezeiruaku JR | 11 Shitta Sillah GR |
| WLB | 42 Vinny DePalma GR | 8 Jaylen Blackwell RS SO |
| MLB | 5 Kam Arnold SR | 2 Bryce Steele JR |
| LCB | 0 Alex Washington GR | 10 Jaylen Cheek RS SO |
| SS | 21 Victor Nelson RS JR | 25 Jamareeh Jones RS SO |
| FS | 23 Cole Batson RS SO | 3 Khari Johnson SR |
| RCB | 1 Elijah Jones GR | 14 Jalon Williams RS SO |
| NB | 24 Amari Jackson SO | 29 Jason Scott RS JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Jeff Hafley |
| OC/QBs | Steve Shimko |
| CO-DC/DBs | Aazaar Abdul-Rahim |
| CO-DC/LBs | Sean Duggan |
| OL | Matt Applebaum |
| AHC for Offense | Rob Chudzinski |
| RBs | Savon Huggins |
| DL | Vince Oghobaase |
| OLBs | Paul Rhoads |
| Special Teams/Safeties | Matt Thruin |
| WRs | Darrell Wyatt |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 74
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 86
- Returning Production (Offense): 79% (14)
- Returning Production (Defense): 70% (32)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 61 (2023), 40 (2022), 37 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 17.8 (12th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 30.3 (13th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 32.8% (11th ACC)
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6), 11th ACC
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s defense will be above average in 2023 in Brent Pry’s second season, but the offense is still an absolute dumpster fire. Grant Wells is a bottom five QB at the Power Five level, and I struggle to see VT’s offense improving much this season. They did add some solid wideouts through the transfer portal, including Ali Jennings (Old Dominion transfer), but I don’t think it will be enough for them to keep pace with the rest of the ACC.
Team MVPs
WR Ali Jennings
DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland
CB Mansoor Delane
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 6 Grant Wells RS SR | 1 Kyron Drones RS SO |
| RB | 24 Malachi Thomas RS SO | 33 Bhayshul Tuten JR |
| WR-X | 0 Ali Jennings SR | 12 Stephen Gosnell SR |
| WR-Z | 9 Da’Quan Felton RS SR | 11 Tucker Holloway SO |
| WR-Y | 83 Jaylin Lane SR | 3 Da’Wain Lofton SO |
| TE | 86 Nick Gallo SR | 8 Dae’Quan Wright SO |
| LT | 65 Xavier Chaplin RS FR | 75 Bob Schick RS JR |
| LG | 61 Braelin Moore RS FR | 77 Brody Meadows RS FR |
| C | 68 Kaden Moore RS JR | 58 Jack Hollifield |
| RG | 72 Jesse Hanson RS SR | |
| RT | 70 Parker Clements RS JR | 79 Johnny Garrett RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 56 C.J. McCray RS JR | 2 Keyshawn Burgos SO |
| LDT | 3 Norell Pollard SR | 91 Wilfried Pene RS JR |
| RDT | 22 Mario Kendricks SR | 6 Josh Fuga RS SR |
| RDE | 0 Antwaun Powell-Ryland SR | 17 Cole Nelson JR |
| WLB | 34 Alan Tisdale RS SR | 24 Jaden Keller RS SO |
| MLB | 38 Jayden McDonald RS SO | 53 Will Johnson RS SO |
| SLB | 7 Keonta Jenkins SR | 21 Keli Lawson RS SO |
| LCB | 4 Mansoor Delane SO | 28 Antonio Cotman Jr. FR |
| SS | 5 Nasir Peoples RS SR | 15 Jaylen Jones JR |
| FS | 26 Jalen Stroman JR | 13 Derrick Canteen RS SR |
| RCB | 44 Dorian Strong RS JR | 29 Nyke Johnson RS SO |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Brent Pry |
| OC/QBs | Tyler Bowen |
| DC/LBs | Chris Marve |
| AHC/DL | J.C. Price |
| Special Teams/TEs | Stu Holt |
| CBs | Derek Jones |
| WRs | Fontel Mines |
| Safeties | Pierson Prioleau |
| LBs/Nickels | Shawn Quinn |
| RBs | Elijah Brooks |
| OL | Ron Crook |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 65
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 81
- Returning Production (Offense): 70% (40)
- Returning Production (Defense): 62% (67)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 39 (2023), 36 (2022), 44 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 19.3 (11th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 24.7 (9th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 31.5% (13th ACC)
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6), 12th ACC
Georgia Tech
Brent Key is a clear upgrade over Geoff Collins at HC, but it will take some time for him to build Georgia Tech into a regularly bowl-eligible program like they were under Paul Johnson. Haynes King is talented, but I doubt he’ll be consistent behind this Yellow Jacket offensive line. GT should be scrappy in 2023, but I think they’ll lose the majority of their games again this season.
Team MVPs
QB Haynes King
WR Dominick Blaylock
DL D’Quan Douse
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 10 Haynes King RS SO | 5 Zach Pyron RS FR |
| RB | 4 Dontae Smith RS SR | 0 Trey Cooley JR |
| WR-X | 8 Malik Rutherford RS SO | 18 Abdul Janneh RS JR |
| WR-Z | 12 Dominick Blaylock RS JR | 3 D.J. Moore RS FR |
| WR-SL | 6 Christian Leary JR | 11 Jamal Haynes RS SO |
| TE | 80 Brett Seither RS SR | 2 Dylan Leonard SR |
| LT | 55 Corey Robinson II RS SO | 74 Tyler Gibson RS FR |
| LG | 67 Joe Fusile RS SO | 57 Paul Tchio JR |
| C | 72 Weston Franklin JR | 58 Brandon Best RS FR |
| RG | 54 Jordan Williams JR | 64 Ryan Purves RS FR |
| RT | 75 Jakiah Leftwich RS SO | 65 Connor Scaglione RS SR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 43 Noah Collins JR | 97 Eddie Kelly SO |
| NT | 99 D’Quan Douse RS JR | 88 Zeek Biggers JR |
| DT | 8 Makius Scott JR | 6 Etinosa Reuben RS SR |
| RDE | 9 Kyle Kennard JR | 32 Sylvain Yondjouen SR |
| MAC | 4 Braelen Oliver RS SR | 44 Kyle Efford RS FR |
| MONEY | 2 Andre White RS SR | 33 Tyson Meiguez RS SO |
| LCB | 10 Kenan Johnson RS JR | 21 Omar Daniels RS SO |
| SS | 0 Clayton Powell-Lee SO | 14 Jaylon King RS SR |
| FS | 1 LaMiles Brooks RS SR | 23 Khari Gee RS SO |
| RCB | 0 Myles Sims RS SR | 3 Kenyatta Watson II RS JR |
| NB | 16 K.J. Wallace RS JR | 17 Rodney Shelley SO |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Brent Key |
| OC/TEs | Buster Faulkner |
| DC | Andrew Thacker |
| CO-DC/LBs | Kevin Sherrer |
| CO-OC/QBs | Chris Weinke |
| RBs | Norval McKenzie |
| Special Teams | Ricky Brumfield |
| DL | Marco Coleman |
| WRs | Josh Crawford |
| DBs | Travares Tillman |
| OL | Geep Wade |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 67
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 85
- Returning Production (Offense): 64% (66)
- Returning Production (Defense): 59% (76)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 62 (2023), 54 (2022), 47 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 17.2 (13th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 28.4 (11th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 30.6% (14th ACC)
Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6), 13th ACC
Virginia
Virginia will be one of the three worst teams at the Power Five level in 2023. The defense will be feisty and the Cavaliers may have found a diamond in the rough with DC John Rudzinski. With that being said, the offense will be absolutely unwatchable. If you’re a Power Five program, you probably shouldn’t be relying on a transfer QB from Monmouth to come in and run the offense. If UVA is able to score more than 17 PPG in 2023, it would be a miracle.
Team MVPs
DL Aaron Faumui
DL/EDGE Chico Bennett
S Coen King
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 11 Tony Muskett SR | 16 Jay Woolfolk JR |
| RB | 5 Kobe Pace SR | 2 Perris Jones RS SR |
| WR-X | 8 Malachi Fields RS SO | 17 J.R. Wilson SO |
| WR-Z | 6 Demick Starling SR | 83 Dakota Twitty RS FR |
| WR-SL | 4 Malik Washington GR | 18 Jaden Gibson FR |
| TE | 85 Grant Misch RS SR | 44 Sackett Wood Jr. SR |
| LT | 52 McKale Boley SO | 79 Colby McGhee RS JR |
| LG | 71 Ugonna Nnanna SR | 0 Brian Stevens RS SR |
| C | 51 Ty Furnish RS SO | 63 Joey Kagel RS SO |
| RG | 77 Noah Josey RS SO | 78 Jestus Johnson III RS JR |
| RT | 00 Jimmy Christ RS JR | 60 Charlie Patterson RS SO |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 82 Kam Butler GR | 10 Ben Smiley III RS SR |
| NT | 90 Jahmeer Carter SR | 19 Oasunkonmi Agunloye RS JR |
| DT | 94 Aaron Faumui SR | 18 Michael Diatta RS SO |
| BANDIT | 15 Chico Bennett Jr. SR | 1 Paul Akere GR |
| MLB | 33 Josh Ahern RS SR | 2 Stevie Bracey SO |
| WLB | 7 James Jackson JR | 16 Trey McDonald RS FR |
| LCB | 0 Malcolm Greene GR | 22 Elijah Gaines RS JR |
| SS | 00 Antonio Clary SR | 21 Donovan Johnson Sr. RS JR |
| FS | 9 Coen King RS SR | 3 Langston Long JR |
| RCB | 23 Tayvonn Kyle GR | 31 Micah Gaffney RS SO |
| SPUR | 20 Jonas Sanker JR | 0 Sam Westfall RS SR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Tony Elliott |
| OC/TEs | Des Kitchings |
| DC/DBs | John Rudzinski |
| DBs | Curome Cox |
| DTs | Kevin Downing |
| DEs | Chris Slade |
| LBs | Clint Sintim |
| Special Teams/RBs | Keith Gaither |
| QBs | Taylor Lamb |
| OL | Terry Heffernan |
| WRs | Adam Mims |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 79
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 71
- Returning Production (Offense): 38% (124)
- Returning Production (Defense): 64% (57)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 64 (2023), 65 (2022), 33 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 17 (14th ACC)
- Points Allowed: 24 (8th ACC)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 32.1% (12th ACC)
Projected Record: 2-10 (1-7), 14th ACC
