Athlon Sports releases preseason All-ACC team for 2025

The college football season is rapidly approaching. Per usual, the ACC is shaping up to be competitive as ever, with talent littered throughout the conference that can rival the best in the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12, among others. 

With that in mind, Athlon Sports has released their preseason All-ACC Team for 2025. Some of the players selected are already household names, and others are readying to make their make this coming year.

Time will tell who rises to the occasion and which players falter, but Athlon Sports’ preseason all-conference teams are usually a pretty good indicator as to who the best of the best will be. Check out their picks for the ACC this season below.

CLICK HERE to buy Athlon’s 2025 magazine online

Athlon Sports’ All-ACC First-Team — Quarterback

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

There’s some impressive talent at quarterback in the ACC. However, the general consensus throughout the nation and at Athlon Sports is Cade Klubnik will be the class of the conference.

He’s improved year after year since joining Clemson in 2022. During last season’s College Football Playoff run, Klubnik tossed 36 touchdowns and only six picks. He’s a contender for the Heisman entering 2025.

Running Back

Isaac Brown, Louisville, Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech and Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh

Isaac Brown’s first season of college football has Louisville fans ready for his encore. He rushed for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. 

Jamal Haynes came 66 yards short of 1,000 last season, but he scored nine touchdowns for Georgia Tech. Desmond Reid’s fourth season of college football could be his best, but it’s only his second with Pittsburgh — he did it all for the Panthers last season, rushing, receiving and retuning punts.

Wide Receiver

Antonio Williams, Clemson, Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson and Chris Bell, Louisville 

Clemson’s offense is shaping up to be iconic. Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr. will create an incredible duo. Cade Klubnik will have no shortage of passing options.

Meanwhile, Chris Bell is entering his fourth season with Louisville. He’s never scored more than four touchdowns in a season, but it’s evident Athlon Sports is expecting more in 2025.

Tight End

Justin Joly, NC State

Justin Joly came to NC State ahead of last season with a ton of hype. After two seasons at Connecticut, he was ready for a bigger challenge.

He set new career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns. 2025 could see an even larger uptick in his production, as he continues his journey in Raleigh.

Offensive Line

Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech, Francis Mauigoa, Miami, Blake Miller, Clemson, Brian Parker II, Duke and PJ Williams, SMU

The hog mollies of the ACC rival some of the best in all of college football. It’s an impressive collection of talent, and they’ll be expected to be the first line of defense against some of the top defenders in all of the sport.

Francis Mauigoa may the one with the most hype NFL-wise, but each lineman can play their way into the conversation in 2025. It’s no wonder why each of them are on a contending team in the ACC. They’re vital to the program’s potential. 

Defensive Line

T.J. Parker, Clemson, Peter Woods, Clemson, Rueben Bain Jr., Miami and Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State

As you can tell, there won’t be anyone in the ACC itching to play Clemson’s defensive line. With T.J. Parker and Peter Woods leading the charge, it’s no secret the Tigers’ unit can contend with anyone in the nation.

Elsewhere, Rueben Bain Jr. has all the talent in the world, and continues to shoot up draft boards. Darrell Jackson Jr. is the lone Florida State selection. He’ll have a lot on his shoulders, as the Seminoles are looking for a bounce back 2025.

Linebacker

Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech, Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh , Wade Woodaz, Clemson and Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh 

Kyle Efford seems primed to take a major step in 2025, after accumulating 64 total tackles and three sacks in 2024. Kyle Louis had seven sacks last season for Pittsburgh, and he has double-digit sacks in his sights.

Meanwhile, Wade Woodaz set multiple career highs in 2024, like 82 total tackles and three sacks and three forced fumbles. Rasheem Biles rounds out the group, after he bursted onto the scene in 2024 with 81 total tackles and six sacks.

Defensive Back

Avieon Terrell, Clemson, Chandler Rivers, Duke, Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU and Terry Moore, Duke

Avieon Terrell was a major contributor last season for Clemson. He had 12 passes defensed, as well as three forced fumbles last season. Isaiah Nwokobia is entering his fifth season with SMU, but 2024 was by far his best, as he accumulated 100 total tackles.

The Duke duo of Chandler Rivers and Terry Moore will be essential to the Blue Devils in 2025. Both had over 50 total tackles in 2024, with Rivers picking off three passes, while Moore had four.

Specialists  

Collin Rogers, SMU, Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse, Keelan Marion, Miami and Tucker Holloway, Virginia Tech

Collin Rogers is primed to continue as one of the best kickers in the ACC. He made 24-of-33 attempts in 2024. Meanwhile, Jack Stonehouse will be hoping he doesn’t have to punt much, but Syracuse is in good hands if he does.

Keelan Marion is joining Miami as their new kick returner after spending time inside the Big 12 with BYU. He has a ton of untapped potential. Tucker Holloway is always reliable returning punts, but he’ll be looking to find the end-zone more often in 2025.