As we gear up for the 2025 ACC Football Championship Game this Saturday, the conference just dropped its All-ACC teams - and let’s just say, the talent pool this year is as deep as it’s ever been. Miami came out swinging, leading the conference with 14 total selections across the first, second and third teams. The Hurricanes also landed four players on the coveted First-Team All-ACC, tying with California, Clemson, and Georgia Tech for the most top-tier honorees.
The selections came from a robust 82-member voting panel, including 65 media members and all 17 ACC head coaches. Using a 3-2-1 scoring system for first, second, and third-team votes, the results reflect a balance of media insight and coaching evaluation.
Let’s break it down.
First-Team All-ACC: The Headliners
Quarterback Haynes King (Georgia Tech) earned the top QB nod with 200 points, a testament to his command of the Yellow Jackets’ offense this season. He was flanked in the backfield by Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and J’Mari Taylor (Virginia) - both backs eclipsed the 200-point mark, showcasing their consistency and explosiveness.
At wide receiver, Duce Robinson (Florida State) led the group with 217 points, followed closely by Chris Bell (Louisville) and Malachi Toney (Miami). Toney doubled up with a second-team nod at all-purpose, underlining his versatility.
Justin Joly (NC State) took the tight end spot, and Jacob De Jesus (California) made First-Team as an all-purpose player, as well as a return specialist - a rare double honor that speaks volumes about his impact on both offense and special teams.
Up front, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and Clemson’s Blake Miller anchored the tackle spots, while Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) and Logan Parr (SMU) handled the interior guard positions. Luke Petitbon (Florida State) rounded out the O-line at center.
On defense, Miami’s edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor formed a fearsome bookend duo. Inside, Jordan van den Berg (Georgia Tech) and Peter Woods (Clemson) clogged the middle.
Linebacker was stacked, led by Caden Fordham (NC State), Cade Uluave (California), and Sammy Brown (Clemson) - three sideline-to-sideline playmakers who’ve been everywhere this season.
In the secondary, Hezekiah Masses (California) and Avieon Terrell (Clemson) locked down the corners, while safeties Nick Andersen (Wake Forest) and Ahmaad Moses (SMU) patrolled the back end.
Special teams were headlined by Aidan Birr (Georgia Tech) at kicker, Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse) at punter, and again, Jacob De Jesus (California) as the top return man.
Second-Team All-ACC: Rising Stars and Steady Producers
At quarterback, Darian Mensah (Duke) secured the second-team spot, showing poise and playmaking ability all season. Running backs Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest) and Nate Sheppard (Duke) brought balance and burst to their offenses.
Cooper Barkate (Duke) and Jacob De Jesus (California) returned at receiver, joined by Lewis Bond (Boston College). Tight end Sam Roush (Stanford) and all-purpose standout Malachi Toney (Miami) continued their strong campaigns with second-team recognition.
On the line, Brian Parker II (Duke) and PJ Williams (SMU) held down the tackle spots, while Anez Cooper (Miami) and Logan Taylor (Boston College) filled in at guard. Brady Wilson (Virginia) took the second-team center role.
Defensively, Isaiah Smith (SMU) and Melkart Abou Jaoude (North Carolina) came off the edge, with Ahmad Moten Sr. (Miami) and Rene Konga (Louisville) plugging the interior.
Linebackers Kyle Louis (Pitt), Matt Rose (Stanford), and Rasheem Biles (Pitt) rounded out a strong second unit. In the secondary, Keionte Scott (Miami) and Chandler Rivers (Duke) were the corners, while Jakobe Thomas (Miami) and Earl Little Jr. (Florida State) handled safety duties.
Special teams featured Trey Butkowski (Pitt) at kicker, Daniel Sparks (Virginia) at punter, and Sahmir Hagans (Duke) as return specialist.
Third-Team All-ACC: Depth and Emerging Talent
Carson Beck (Miami) took the third-team QB spot, with Isaac Brown (Louisville) and Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami) sharing the backfield.
Receivers included Jordan Hudson (SMU), Trell Harris (Virginia), and Antonio Williams (Clemson). Tight end Jeremiah Franklin (Boston College) and all-purpose threat Caullin Lacy (Louisville) rounded out the skill positions.
The offensive line featured McKale Boley (Virginia) and Markel Bell (Miami) at tackle, Noah Josey (Virginia) and Justin Pickett (Duke) at guard, and James Brockermeyer (Miami) at center.
On defense, Will Heldt (Clemson) and Clev Lubin (Louisville) earned third-team DE honors, with Kemari Copeland (Virginia Tech) and Aaron Hall (Duke) inside.
Linebackers Kam Robinson (Virginia), TJ Quinn (Louisville), and Wesley Bissainthe (Miami) rounded out the group. Karon Prunty (Wake Forest) and Brent Austin (California) were the corners, with Ricardo Jones (Clemson) and Devin Neal (Virginia) at safety.
Special teams included Cooper Ranvier (Louisville) at kicker, Marshall Nichols (Georgia Tech) at punter, and Chris Barnes (Wake Forest) as return man.
Honorable Mentions: A Deep Roster of Talent
The Honorable Mention list is a who’s who of players who made significant impacts but just missed out on the top three teams. From quarterbacks like Kevin Jennings (SMU) and Chandler Morris (Virginia) to defenders like Langston Hardy (Wake Forest) and Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State), the depth of talent across the ACC this season is undeniable.
Standouts like Kendrick Raphael (California) at running back, CJ Williams (Stanford) at receiver, and Isaiah Nwokobia (SMU) at safety all made cases for higher recognition. And on the offensive line, names like Lance Robinson (Louisville) and Walker Parks (Clemson) showed the strength in the trenches.
What’s Next
The ACC will announce its major individual awards - including Player of the Year and Coach of the Year - over the next two days. With so much talent already recognized on these All-ACC teams, the race for the top individual honors should be just as competitive.
As we head into championship weekend, it’s clear: the ACC isn’t just deep - it’s stacked.