Phil Steele predicts final rankings in 2023 ACC forecast

Phil Steele is making his predictions for how the Atlantic Coast Conference will play out in 2023.

There were a number of surprise contenders in the conference last season, but the Clemson Tigers once again reached the top of the mountain. However, they’ll have plenty of competition from numerous programs as they look to add another title this season.

The list has to begin with last season’s runner-up in the ACC, as the North Carolina Tar Heels are bringing back star quarterback Drake Maye for another season. However, Florida State has something to say, as the Seminoles are looking to get back to the top of the mountain under Mike Norvell’s tutelage.

A ton of options are littered throughout the conference, and it remains to be seen who comes out on top, but Steele made his picks. Here they are, in all their glory below.

1) Clemson Tigers

Although Clemson amassed an undefeated conference record and an ACC title in 2022, many considered the Tigers a disappointment. Still, Steele believes they’re still the best of the best in the conference, predicting they’ll finish atop once again.

Much will be on the shoulders of young phenom quarterback Cade Klubnik, who showed what he could do in the ACC title game against North Carolina. However, he didn’t look so hot against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Orange Bowl, so Swinney and company are hoping he can erase that game from his mind and take a step forward in 2023.

2) Florida State Seminoles

Florida State lost three straight ACC games in 2022, falling to Wake Forest, NC State and Clemson in consecutive weeks, but that would be the end of their losing. The Seminoles went on a run that inspired confidence for their 2023 campaign, capped off with a win over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl.

Quarterback Jordan Travis is here to run the offense, while Jared Verse is a star in the making along the defensive line. The talent is there, it’s just up to Norvell to get his team playing all together, and to keep the momentum going.

3) Pittsburgh Panthers

In Pat Narduzzi’s eighth season in 2022, Pittsburgh finished with a 9-4 record overall, and a 5-3 record in the ACC. They had some impressive showings, even taking Tennessee to overtime, and some disappointing losses, like falling to Georgia Tech.

Nevertheless, the Panthers ended the season on a high, winning five straight games, including a Sun Bowl victory over UCLA. Their schedule is unforgiving, but Pittsburgh will be looking to turn some heads regardless.

4) North Carolina Tar Heels

The wheels fell off of a tremendous season for North Carolina in November. The Tar Heels were sitting at 9-1 with a chance at the College Football Playoff if they won out, and then lost four straight to end their year, including a 39-10 drubbing by Clemson in the ACC title game.

With the aforementioned Drake May at quarterback though, the hype has returned for the Tar Heels. Mack Brown will have his team ready, and you can bet they’ll be using last season’s ending as motivation for 2023.

5) Miami Hurricanes

Speaking of disappointing, you can bet Mario Cristobal didn’t think his first season in Miami would’ve been a 5-7 disaster. Nevertheless, after making some adjustments both on the field and off of it, the Hurricanes are back as a post-hype sleeper.

New coordinators may make the biggest difference, but heightened pressure will also be a factor. Cristobal is as calm, cool and collected as they come, but if the Hurricanes don’t put together a strong start, you can believe he’ll be sweating, and that’s not because of the Miami weather.

6) NC State Wolfpack

NC State lost a star quarterback in Devin Leary, and gained a promising signal caller in former Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong. That has Steele believing they’re in the top-half of ACC squads.

Like many in the ACC, the Wolfpack had bigger aspirations in 2022, but didn’t come close to reaching them, finishing 8-5 and losing the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to Maryland. NC State will look different in 2023, with the addition of offensive coordinator Robert Anae, but that’s not a bad thing, and could lead to an exciting season.

7) Louisville Cardinals

Scott Satterfield left Louisville for Cincinnati, and many believe the Cardinals upgraded with the hire of former Purdue leader Jeff Brohm. Joining him is former Louisville and NFL quarterback Brian Brohm, who will be the Cardinals offensive coordinator.

That sounds like a recipe for success, and that’s certainly the hope. The Brohm family could have L&N Stadium jumping, and Steele is high of their resurgence.

8) Duke Blue Devils

Mike Elko’s first season with Duke was a rousing success, amassing a 9-4 record and a victory in the Military Bowl over UCF. The question now becomes, can Elko repeat his positive start for the Blue Devils, or was it an aberration?

With a quarterback like Riley Leonard leading the way, Steele isn’t the only one who believes in Elko’s squad. Honestly, Duke may be the most unpredictable team on the list, and could finish almost anywhere.

9) Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Perhaps no team in college football was dealt a bigger blow from the portal than Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons lost their longtime quarterback Sam Hartman to Notre Dame, and now the sharks are circling.

Many believe it’ll cause Wake Forest to crash back down to earth after some tremendous campaigns over recent seasons. However, Dave Clawson won’t allow his team to go gently, and they’ll do everything they can to ensure that doesn’t happen.

10) Syracuse Orange

Syracuse left 2022 feeling good, despite losing the Pinstripe Bowl to Minnesota to end their season. Unfortunately, they’re entering 2023 with two new coordinators, as Robert Anae left to call NC State’s offense, while Tony White is joining Matt Rhule’s effort in Nebraska.

Still, Dino Babers and company have persevered before. It’s going to be his eighth season at the helm of the Orange, and he’ll be out to prove their doubters wrong once again.

11) Boston College Eagles

2023 was bad all around for Boston College, as the Eagles finished with a 3-9 record. Their two ACC victories were by two points combined, as they barely skated by over Louisville and NC State.

That caused Jeff Hafley, who’s entering his fourth season with the program, to chance things up coordinator wise. Time will tell if it makes a difference, or if Hafley is looking for a new gig at this time next season.

12) Virginia Tech Hokies

Steele recognizes Virginia Tech had their work cut out for them after deciding to rebuild their program around former Penn State defensive coordinator Brett Pry, but nobody wanted to see the Hokies go 3-8, and only win one ACC game. Still, the Hokies ended their season with a victory over Liberty, so maybe that’ll provide some positive momentum.

They’re not likely to contend for a spot even in the middle of the pack, but that’s not the goal. The Hokies want to see growth under Pry, and we’ll see if that’s what we get in 2023.

13) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Following the firing of Geoff Collins last season after four games, Georgia Tech rallied around Brent Key. So much so, that the Yellow Jackets made him their full-time coach for 2023, and they’re hoping they struck gold.

Key brought in his own offensive coordinator, with Buster Faulkner chosen to run the offense. They pulled off some upsets last season under his watch, but the ACC is ready for them now, it’s a whole different ball game.

14) Virginia Cavaliers

A tragic shooting cut Virginia’s season short, and the thoughts and prayers of the college football world remain with the families involved. On the football field though, it wasn’t an easy first season for Tony Elliott and the Cavaliers, as the team amassed a 3-7 overall record, winning only one ACC game.

Now, they’re entering 2023 without their longtime quarterback, as Brennan Armstrong took his talents to NC State over the offseason. Steele has them bringing up the rear in the ACC, but perhaps Elliott can surprise some people during his second season. It remains to be seen.

As you can see, the ACC is in an interesting spot for 2023, with a host of solid teams and an unpredictable season upcoming. Time will tell if Phil Steele’s predictions reign true, but it’s going to be a fascinating watch regardless, and we can’t wait to get things started.