ACC has record number of intraconference transfers

Matthew Cleveland made waves today after not only transferring in-state from Florida State to Miami but also within the ACC. Even so, he isn’t the only player within the conference that’ll be a familiar face for their opponents next season.

David Teel pointed out the connections on Twitter over the weekend. After Cleveland’s commitment, the ACC now sits at a record of ten players who have transferred between schools within the league. That number includes some high-profile names like Cleveland, Joe Girard, Jaelyn Withers, and JJ Starling.

• SF Tyler Nickel – North Carolina to Virginia Tech
• PF Ben Middlebrooks – Clemson to NC State
• C Ebenezer Dowuana – NC State to Georgia Tech
• PF Jack Clark – NC State to Clemson
• PF Jaelyn Withers – Louisville to North Carolina
• SG Cormac Ryan – Notre Dame to North Carolina
• SG JJ Starling – Notre Dame to Syracuse
• PG Joe Girard – Syracuse to Clemson
• SF Matthew Cleveland – Florida State to Miami
• SF Danilo Jovanovich – Miami to Louisville

North Carolina and Clemson lead the way in that group with two transfers apiece. The Hokies, Wolfpack, Yellow Jackets, Orange, Hurricanes, and Cardinals then also each took in one ACC transfer of their own.

In the era of the transfer portal, these sorts of exchanges within a league aren’t that uncommon anymore. Still, with this many to this point this offseason, we should see some rivalries and matchups heat up considering the previous connections between them all.

More on Cleveland’s commitment to Miami

Former Florida State small forward Matthew Cleveland has committed to Miami, he told On3.

“I chose Miami because (Jim Larrañaga) made it clear from the first day I was in the portal that I was his number one guy,” he said. “Their system fits me perfectly and I want to be a part of something special and they are building that there.”

The 6-foot-7, 200-pound junior averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the Seminoles this season, who finished 12th in the ACC with an overall record of 9-23.

Cleveland is a former four-star recruit and was the No. 25 overall player in the nation in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The Atlanta native is not only making an intraconference move, but he’s also remaining within the state of Florida as he will suit up in a ‘Canes uniform next season. Miami, led by Larrañaga, finished the 2022-23 season with a Final Four appearance and an overall record of 29-8.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.