ACC Basketball Power Rankings: Duke Rolls, UNC Looks to Rebound, and NC State Surges
We’ve officially hit that stretch of the college basketball season where every game feels like it carries a little more weight. With Selection Sunday looming just over a month away, the first Duke vs. UNC showdown of the season isn’t just a rivalry showcase-it’s a battle with real implications for seeding, momentum, and bragging rights across the ACC.
Duke is cruising. UNC is searching.
And a handful of other ACC squads are quietly (and not-so-quietly) making noise as we hit the first week of February. Let’s break down where things stand in the conference right now.
1. Duke (21-1, 10-0 ACC)
The Blue Devils are doing more than just winning-they’re making history. For the second straight year, Duke has opened ACC play with a 10-0 record, something no program in the league has done in nearly six decades.
This year’s team may not have the same flash as last season’s, but don’t mistake that for a drop-off in quality. Cameron Boozer has emerged as the heartbeat of a group that thrives on physicality and interior dominance.
Defensively, they’re suffocating. Offensively, they’re efficient, even if not always spectacular.
Saturday’s matchup with UNC will be a showcase of star power, with Boozer and Tar Heels standout Caleb Wilson set to go head-to-head in what could be the defining game of the rivalry this year.
2. Clemson (19-4, 9-1 ACC)
Clemson just keeps finding ways to win. Even when they’re down at the half-like they were at Stanford-they stay composed, lean on their defense, and grind out victories. Brad Brownell’s squad isn’t flashy, but they’re tough, disciplined, and incredibly well-coached.
With only one major returner from last year’s roster, this version of the Tigers has exceeded expectations and now looks like a tournament lock. They’ve also quietly built one of the most impressive road resumes in the country, having won 13 straight ACC road games, including five this season. That kind of consistency travels well in March.
3. Virginia (19-3, 8-2 ACC)
After a stumble against UNC and a scare at Notre Dame, Virginia got back to doing what it does best: playing lockdown defense. The Cavaliers held Pitt to just 47 points in a bounce-back win, reminding everyone why they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
What makes this team particularly intriguing is their balance. Along with Duke, Virginia is one of only two teams in the ACC currently ranked in the top 25 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That two-way strength makes them a tough out for anyone.
4. NC State (17-6, 8-2 ACC)
Don’t look now, but the Wolfpack are rolling. Since their loss to Georgia Tech, NC State has rattled off five straight wins and is playing some of its best basketball of the season. Quadir Copeland has stepped up as a dynamic playmaker, Darrion Williams is on a scoring tear with three consecutive 20-point games, and Ven-Allen Lubin has been a rock in the paint.
Perhaps most impressive: NC State is a perfect 6-0 on the road. That kind of poise away from home is a major asset as the postseason approaches.
5. North Carolina (18-4, 6-3 ACC)
The Tar Heels are still a top-tier offensive team, and their defense has taken noticeable strides. But the real test comes Saturday when Duke visits Chapel Hill. A win there doesn’t just mean bragging rights-it puts UNC right back in the national conversation and could vault them into a higher seed line come March.
Caleb Wilson has been electric, and if he can outduel Boozer in front of the home crowd, it could shift the momentum of UNC’s season in a big way.
6. Louisville (16-6, 6-4 ACC)
The Cardinals took a rough one on the chin at Duke but responded with a gritty comeback win against SMU. That resilience matters.
Louisville has a shot to climb even further with NC State coming to town soon. If their defense can tighten up against the Wolfpack’s perimeter shooting, they’ll have a chance to make another statement.
7. Miami (17-5, 6-3 ACC)
The Hurricanes are in a bit of a funk, having dropped three of their last five, including a heartbreaker by one point at Cal. But there’s still time to right the ship. With UNC and NC State looming on the schedule, Miami has a golden opportunity to pick up some marquee wins and solidify its tournament standing.
8. SMU
SMU has hit a rough patch, dropping back-to-back games against Louisville and NC State. Both losses exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, especially against high-powered offenses.
The good news? The upcoming schedule offers a chance to regroup and rebuild confidence.
9. California
The Golden Bears are one of the more entertaining teams in the league right now. They’ve won four of their last five and are playing with a loose, confident style that’s tough to prepare for. Clemson will be a big test-and a big opportunity-for this rising squad.
10. Virginia Tech
The Hokies are at a crossroads. With games coming up against NC State and Clemson, they’ve got a shot to make some noise and enter the at-large conversation. But they’ll need to bring their A-game-especially on the road-if they want to stay in the mix.
11. Florida State
FSU is starting to find its rhythm under first-year head coach Luke Loucks. They’ve won three of their last four and are showing signs of life after a rocky start. It’s still a long road to relevance, but the arrow is pointing up.
12. Stanford
Since that upset win over UNC, the Cardinal has dropped five straight. They’re struggling to find consistency and are slipping further out of postseason contention.
13. Boston College
The Eagles can defend well enough to hang around in games, but they just can’t seem to score consistently. That’s a tough formula to win with in this league.
14. Syracuse
It’s been a rough stretch for the Orange, who have lost five of six. With little momentum and a tough schedule ahead, it’s hard to see things turning around anytime soon.
15. Pitt
The Panthers are spiraling, having lost eight of their last 10. And with SMU, Duke, and UNC up next, the road doesn’t get any easier.
16. Wake Forest
At 11-11 and on a four-game skid, the Demon Deacons are all but out of the tournament picture. It’s been a frustrating season in Winston-Salem.
17. Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets looked like they might be turning a corner after beating NC State, but they’ve dropped four straight since. That momentum is long gone.
18. Notre Dame
The Irish have lost eight of nine and continue to struggle on both ends. Right now, they’re playing like a team that won’t be a factor in the ACC Tournament.
Looking Ahead
The ACC is shaping up to be a multi-bid league again, with Duke leading the charge and several teams jockeying for position behind them. Saturday’s Duke-UNC showdown is the headliner, but don’t sleep on NC State, Clemson, and Virginia-all of whom look built for March. The stretch run is here, and the intensity is only going up from here.