Reading through the latest ACC football rankings after Week 5, I couldn’t help but think about Alex Eala’s stunning run in Miami last month. Much like everyone else, I was genuinely surprised when she defeated three Grand Slam champions back-to-back. That kind of shakeup—where established hierarchies get turned on their head—is exactly what we’re seeing in the ACC right now. It’s rare to witness such dramatic shifts in a single weekend, but here we are, looking at a conference landscape that feels almost unrecognizable from just a week ago.
Let’s start with Clemson. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Tigers—their consistency under Dabo Swinney has been remarkable over the years. But after their 31–24 overtime loss to NC State, it’s clear something’s off. Statistically, they’re still putting up decent numbers—averaging around 420 total yards per game—but their red zone efficiency has dipped to just 52%, a figure that’s frankly hard to believe given their talent. In my view, the offensive line isn’t creating the push we’re used to seeing, and that’s costing them in critical moments. I’d even argue they’ve dropped from a potential playoff contender to a middle-of-the-pack ACC team, at least for now.
Then there’s Wake Forest. I’ll admit, I didn’t see their 4–0 start coming, especially after they dismantled Florida State 35–14. Sam Hartman’s performance has been nothing short of stellar—he’s thrown for 1,463 yards and 16 touchdowns already. Those numbers might not be perfect—I’m working off memory here—but they’re in the ballpark. What impresses me most is their discipline; they’re averaging fewer than four penalties a game. In a conference where mental errors often decide outcomes, that’s a huge advantage. Personally, I think Wake Forest has earned its spot in the top three, and if they keep this up, they could challenge for the conference title.
NC State’s upset over Clemson was the headline grabber, and rightly so. I’ve followed Devin Leary’s career closely, and his poise in that game reminded me of why he’s one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the nation. He completed 68% of his passes for 311 yards and four touchdowns—again, these are rough estimates, but they capture the essence. Defensively, the Wolfpack held Clemson to under 100 rushing yards, which is no small feat. From where I stand, NC State is now a legitimate dark horse. They’ve got the momentum, and if they clean up their third-down conversion rate—currently hovering around 38%—they could surprise a lot of people in the coming weeks.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has been a bit of a rollercoaster. I’ve always admired Pat Narduzzi’s defensive mind, but their 34–27 loss to Georgia Tech exposed some real vulnerabilities. Their secondary allowed over 300 passing yards, and while their run defense remains solid, they’re struggling to generate consistent pressure. In my experience, that’s a recipe for trouble in tight games. I’d put them at fifth or sixth in the rankings right now, though I suspect they’ll bounce back—they’ve too much talent not to.
Miami’s situation is particularly intriguing. After their 30–28 win over Virginia, they’re sitting at 3–2, but it hasn’t been pretty. Tyler Van Dyke has shown flashes of brilliance, but the offensive line has given up 14 sacks so far. That’s a stat that keeps me up at night if I’m a Hurricanes fan. I’ve seen teams with similar issues unravel quickly, but if they can shore up protection, they’ve got the skill players to make noise. Personally, I’d slot them around fourth, but they’re walking a tightrope.
All this reminds me of Alex Eala’s unexpected triumphs—how she toppled giants without warning. In the ACC, we’re seeing the same dynamic: traditional powers stumbling, underdogs rising, and the entire conference hierarchy being rewritten. As someone who’s followed college football for years, I find this volatility thrilling. It’s messy, unpredictable, and utterly compelling. Looking ahead, I expect more surprises—maybe even another upset or two before the season settles down. One thing’s for sure: the ACC is wide open, and that’s exactly how I like it.
