ACC Quarterback Carousel: Breaking Down the New Faces Under Center After Mensah’s Move to Miami
The quarterback shuffle in the ACC just got even more interesting.
With the recent transfer of QB Zion Mensah to Miami, the ripple effect across the conference has taken full shape. Every team now has its signal-caller situation either locked in or in flux - and some of those decisions could define the 2026 season. Let’s take a look at how all 17 ACC programs are shaping up under center heading into spring ball.
Miami: The Mensah Era Begins
Zion Mensah’s move to Coral Gables is the headline-grabber, and for good reason. The former starter brings a dual-threat capability Miami hasn’t had in a while.
He’s expected to take the reins immediately, giving the Hurricanes a dynamic presence behind center. His ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield could be the missing piece for a program looking to get back into ACC title contention.
Virginia: A Two-Transfer Tandem
Virginia went into the portal and came out with not one, but two quarterbacks with starting experience - a rare feat. The Cavaliers signed Beau Pribula from Missouri and Eli Holstein from Pittsburgh. Both come in with game reps under their belts, and the staff is keeping things open heading into spring.
Pribula brings a dual-threat element and a gritty style that could energize the offense. Holstein, on the other hand, is more of a traditional pocket passer with a big arm.
Expect a real competition here. The winner gets the keys to an offense that’s still searching for its identity.
Pittsburgh: Holstein Out, Battle On
With Holstein gone, the Panthers are turning the page. The quarterback room is still sorting itself out, and there’s no clear-cut favorite just yet. Whoever emerges will need to bring stability to an offense that struggled with consistency last season.
Boston College: A Veteran Returns
BC has one of the more stable quarterback situations in the league. Their returning starter is back for another year, giving the Eagles a reliable presence under center. Continuity is key, and Boston College has it.
Clemson: Reload, Not Rebuild
Clemson isn’t rebuilding - they’re reloading. The Tigers have a young quarterback who showed flashes last season and is expected to take a big leap. He’s got the tools, and with another offseason in the system, the expectations are high.
Duke: New Era Begins
Duke is hitting the reset button at quarterback. With last year’s starter gone, the Blue Devils are evaluating their options, including a promising transfer. It’s a fresh start in Durham, and the QB battle will be one to watch.
Florida State: Eyes on the Future
FSU is transitioning from a veteran-led offense to a younger core, including at quarterback. The Seminoles brought in a talented freshman and have a returning backup with potential. It may take time, but the future looks bright.
Georgia Tech: All Eyes on Development
The Yellow Jackets are sticking with their young quarterback, who showed flashes of brilliance but also growing pains. The focus now is on development. Georgia Tech is betting on continuity and upside.
Louisville: Experience Returns
Louisville brings back its starting quarterback, and that’s big. He was efficient last season and gives the Cardinals a steady hand. With a year of experience in the system, he could take another step forward.
NC State: Competition Heating Up
The Wolfpack have multiple options, including a returning starter and a transfer addition. Expect a fierce spring competition. NC State’s offense has talent - now it needs a leader to bring it all together.
North Carolina: Replacing a Star
Drake Maye is gone, and that leaves a massive void. The Tar Heels are turning to a young quarterback who’s been waiting in the wings. The pressure is on, but the talent is there.
Syracuse: New Staff, New QB
With a new coaching staff in place, Syracuse is also ushering in a new quarterback. The Orange brought in a transfer to compete right away. The offense is expected to look different, and the quarterback will be at the center of it all.
Virginia Tech: Stability at Last
The Hokies finally have some stability at quarterback. Their starter returns after a solid campaign, and that continuity should help Tech take the next step offensively. Don’t be surprised if they lean on that experience early and often.
Wake Forest: Quarterback TBD
Wake’s quarterback situation is still in flux. There’s no clear leader heading into spring, and the competition is wide open. Whoever wins the job will need to be ready - Wake’s offense demands precision and quick decision-making.
Cal, Stanford, and SMU: ACC Newcomers with QB Questions
The ACC’s new additions - Cal, Stanford, and SMU - each have their own quarterback storylines.
- Cal is leaning on a young quarterback who showed promise late last year.
- Stanford is still searching for a consistent answer under center.
- SMU returns a starter who led them to a strong finish, giving them a leg up in year one in the ACC.
The Bottom Line
With Mensah landing in Miami, the ACC’s quarterback landscape looks dramatically different than it did a month ago. Some teams are doubling down on experience.
Others are banking on upside. And a few are still figuring it out.
What’s clear is this: the race for the top of the conference is going to be shaped by who wins these quarterback battles - and who makes the leap when the lights come on this fall.