Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2026 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Special Teams
1) Koen Entringer , Louisville
As we near the end of the best players at their position in the ACC, we just keep seeing Louisville Cardinals on the list. Keon Entringer tops the list for the Cards at safety. Entringer was one of the best Safeties in the Big 10 at Iowa last year. He was an honorable mention All-Big 10 player last season and was the Hawkeye’s defensive team captain. That was off a season in which he had 73 tackles.
2) Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami
Miami continues to field players all over these top ACC player lists. Bryce Fitzgerald is another one from the Hurricanes, and he may top these safety player rankings one day. Fitzgerald might already be the ACC’s best safety. He was a Freshman All-American as voted by Football Writers Association of America. Even as just a part-time starter in his freshman season, he recorded 6 interceptions. What does he have in store for his sophomore season?
3) Davaughn Patterson, Wake Forest
Wake Forest is coming off a 9-win season, and a big reason for that was an opportunistic defense. Davaughn Patterson was one of the Deacs’ best defenders last year. Last year, he was All-ACC Honorable Mention selection in a 2025, which saw him have 78 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. He’s drawing NFL Draft interest in the middle rounds, and he’s looking to move up.
4) Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU
SMU was a bit hit or miss on defense last year, but don’t blame safety Isaiah Nwokobia. Nwokobia had an 80 tackle 2 interception season in 2025. He returns from our top 5 ACC safety list of a year ago, and he remains one of the ACC’s best safeties. He’s another ACC safety who’s looking at the middle rounds of the NFL draft. He’s a definite NFL prospect.
5) KP Price, Boston College
KP Price might be the most versatile defenders in the ACC. Last season, he spent time playing 3 games at linebacker in a year where he had 94 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. This was in an All-ACC Honorable Mention season. He’s an NFL caliber player and is looking to have a big senior season. Price is certainly the anchor of the BC secondary.
