ACC Men’s Basketball Power Rankings: Duke Reasserts Control, UNC Falters, and Louisville Makes a Statement
This past weekend delivered one of college basketball’s most iconic matchups, and it didn’t disappoint. North Carolina and Duke clashed for the first time this season, and it was the Tar Heels who walked away with the bragging rights-thanks to a last-second dagger from Seth Trimble that capped a dramatic comeback. Carolina led for just 0.4 seconds, but that was all they needed.
But as electric as that finish was, the ACC landscape shifted just as quickly in the days that followed. Let’s dive into the latest conference power rankings and break down where each team stands heading into the heart of February.
1. Duke (22-2, 11-1 ACC)
Last Game: Beat Pitt 70-54
The Blue Devils didn’t let the rivalry loss linger.
While UNC stumbled midweek, Duke came out and handled business against Pitt with a wire-to-wire win. Their defense was suffocating, and the offense looked composed and efficient.
That’s the kind of bounce-back effort you expect from a team with championship aspirations.
Next Up: Saturday vs. Clemson
Circle this one. It’s a top-of-the-table clash that could have major implications on the ACC title race.
2. Clemson (20-4, 10-1 ACC)
Last Game: Beat Cal 77-55
Clemson continues to quietly stack wins.
Their only conference blemish is a four-point loss to NC State, and they’ve been rock-solid otherwise. The Tigers are playing with a balanced attack and a defense that doesn’t give up much.
They’ve earned their spot near the top.
Next Up: Tonight vs. Virginia Tech
A tricky matchup against a bubble team, but one Clemson should handle if they stay locked in.
3. North Carolina (19-5, 7-4 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Miami 75-66
That high from the Duke win?
It didn’t last long. The Tar Heels came out flat against Miami, and it cost them.
Whether it was an emotional hangover or just a bad night, it’s the kind of loss that stings-especially when you’re trying to climb the standings.
Next Up: Saturday vs. Pitt
UNC can’t afford to overlook Pitt, no matter the record. They need a get-right game, and this is a chance to reset.
4. Virginia (20-3, 9-2 ACC)
Last Game: Beat Florida State 61-58
The Cavaliers are winning, but it hasn’t been pretty.
Close calls against Notre Dame and Florida State have raised some eyebrows, but they’re still getting the job done. That defense remains their calling card, and it’s keeping them in every game.
5. Louisville (18-6, 8-4 ACC)
Last Game: Beat NC State 118-77
Talk about a statement.
After getting blown out by Duke, Louisville has responded with three straight wins, capped by a 41-point demolition of NC State. The Cardinals are finding their rhythm, and their offense is clicking at just the right time.
Next Up: Saturday vs. Baylor
Non-conference test incoming. A win here could boost their national profile in a big way.
6. Miami (19-5, 8-3 ACC)
Last Game: Beat UNC 75-66
The Hurricanes picked up a huge win over the Tar Heels, but their résumé still has some blemishes-namely a home loss to Cal.
Still, they’ve shown they can beat top-tier teams, and that makes them dangerous down the stretch.
Next Up: Saturday at NC State
This one’s big for both teams. Miami’s looking to stay in the top tier, and NC State’s trying to bounce back.
7. NC State (18-7, 9-3 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Louisville 118-77
That six-game win streak?
Gone in a flash. The Wolfpack got steamrolled by Louisville, and now the question is how they respond.
One bad night doesn’t define a season, but the margin for error is shrinking.
Next Up: Saturday vs. Miami
A chance for redemption-and a chance to prove they belong in the upper half of the conference.
8. SMU (17-7, 6-5 ACC)
Last Game: Beat Notre Dame 89-81
The Mustangs are hanging around.
None of their recent losses have been particularly damaging, but they’ve dropped three of their last seven and need to tighten things up if they want to stay in the tournament conversation.
Next Up: Saturday at Syracuse
A road win would go a long way toward solidifying their postseason case.
9. Cal (17-7, 5-6 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Clemson 77-55
Cal’s still in the NCAA Tournament mix, but they’re teetering.
The loss to Clemson was expected, but they’ll need to pick up a few more quality wins to stay on the right side of the bubble.
Next Up: Tonight at Syracuse
A must-win if they want to keep their March hopes alive.
10. Virginia Tech (16-8, 5-6 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to NC State 82-73
The Hokies have dropped three of their last four, but all against solid competition.
They’re still in the bubble hunt, but that window is narrowing.
Next Up: Tonight at Clemson
A win here would be massive. Lose, and the road gets tougher.
11. Stanford (15-9, 4-7 ACC)
Last Game: Beat Georgia Tech 95-72
Stanford’s quietly putting together a decent campaign.
They’ve got that win over UNC in their back pocket, and they’ve looked solid in recent outings. Still, they’ve got work to do if they want to make a postseason push.
12. Florida State (11-13, 4-7 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Virginia 61-58
FSU’s under .500 overall, but they’ve shown signs of life.
Four wins in their last six is a step in the right direction, and they’ve been competitive even in losses.
Next Up: Saturday at Virginia Tech
Another chance to play spoiler-or maybe make a late run.
13. Syracuse (13-11, 4-7 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Virginia 72-59
The Orange gave UNC a scare last week, but that’s been the exception lately.
They’ve been in a slump, and time is running out to turn things around.
Next Up: Tonight vs. Cal
A bubble battle with big implications.
14. Georgia Tech (11-13, 2-9 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Stanford 95-72
The Yellow Jackets are on a skid, but they’ve shown flashes-like that win over NC State a few weeks ago.
Still, consistency has been elusive.
15. Wake Forest (11-12, 2-8 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Louisville 88-80
The Demon Deacons are in a freefall.
Five straight losses have them near the bottom of the standings, and they need a spark-fast.
16. Pitt (9-16, 2-10 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to Duke 70-54
It’s been a rough season for Pitt, and now they’re heading into Chapel Hill.
If UNC struggles with this group, alarm bells might start ringing.
17. Notre Dame (11-14, 2-10 ACC)
Last Game: Lost to SMU 89-81
The Irish have had a tough stretch.
Outside of a win over one of the teams below them, there hasn’t been much to celebrate lately.
18. Boston College (9-14, 2-8 ACC)
They’ve picked up a couple wins recently, but it’s not enough to lift them out of the basement. For now, BC remains at the bottom of the ACC pile.
Bottom Line:
Duke has reestablished itself as the team to beat, while Clemson continues to impress with consistency.
UNC’s up-and-down week shows just how volatile things can get in this conference. With the ACC tournament inching closer, every game down the stretch is going to matter-and the margins are razor thin.
Buckle up.