As the ACC regular-season championship race heats up, all eyes are on Duke and Virginia, who are leading the charge into the final week of February. With a history of dominating the conference, these two powerhouses are set to clash on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Blue Devils, boasting a stellar 26-2 record and a 14-1 mark in the ACC, are riding high after a commanding victory over Michigan and a decisive win against Notre Dame. They're aiming for back-to-back ACC regular-season titles, a feat they haven't achieved since the early 2000s.
Let's dive into the current ACC power rankings as of Feb. 26, 2025-26 season.
1. Duke
Cameron Boozer is leading the charge for Duke, putting himself in prime position for national player of the year honors. The Blue Devils are not just eyeing an ACC title; they're one of the top contenders for the national championship.
A win against Virginia would further solidify their status, with matchups against in-state rivals N.C. State and UNC still on the horizon.
2. Virginia
Virginia, under first-year coach Ryan Odom, has been a model of consistency. The Cavaliers, with a 25-3 record, bring size, shooting, and depth to the court, riding a nine-game winning streak.
However, with only one win over a ranked opponent, they need a standout performance at Cameron Indoor to gain more national recognition.
3. Miami
The Hurricanes are showing their mettle, narrowly missing a win at Virginia but bouncing back impressively against Florida State. Tre Donaldson has been on fire, averaging over 23 points in recent games.
Miami's prowess in rebounding and second-chance points makes them a formidable opponent.
4. UNC
The Tar Heels have faced challenges with injuries but have managed a 3-1 record without freshman star Caleb Wilson. They've shown resilience with key victories, and Wilson's return could provide the boost they need as the season winds down.
5. Louisville
Despite recent struggles, Louisville has the guard play to compete with anyone. However, their issues in the paint need addressing if they hope for a successful postseason run.
**6. N.C.
State** The Wolfpack have faced a tough stretch, losing three of their last four games.
Consistency has been elusive, but they remain a solid squad capable of surprises.
7. SMU
The Mustangs are leveraging their depth as they push towards an NCAA Tournament berth. A challenging West Coast trip looms, and they'll need to rebound quickly after a loss at Cal.
8. Clemson
Clemson's recent skid has been concerning, but they're still in a good position for March Madness. Their defense needs to step up as they look to finish the season strong.
9. Cal With Chris Bell leading the charge, Cal has won three straight and is making a case for a tournament spot.
10. Florida State Despite a recent setback against Miami, the Seminoles have shown progress under Luke Loucks, highlighted by a win at Clemson.
11. Virginia Tech The Hokies displayed impressive balance against Wake Forest, and they'll need that same effort to upset UNC.
12. Syracuse Talent abounds for Syracuse, but translating that into wins has been a challenge, with losses piling up.
13. Stanford Ebuka Okorie's standout performance against Pitt was a bright spot, helping end a losing streak for the Cardinal.
14. Wake Forest Despite Juke Harris's 38-point game, Wake Forest fell short against Boston College, highlighting a need for more support.
15. Boston College The Eagles showed resilience, snapping an eight-game losing streak with a dramatic win over Wake Forest.
16. Pitt The Panthers are struggling, with only two wins in their last 11 games, searching for answers as the season winds down.
17. Notre Dame Injuries have plagued the Irish, leading to a tough season, but they’re pushing through to the finish line.
18. Georgia Tech The Yellow Jackets are in a tough spot, with a nine-game losing streak and several double-digit defeats.
As the ACC season reaches its climax, these rankings set the stage for what promises to be an exciting finish. With powerhouse matchups and storylines unfolding, fans are in for a thrilling ride.