Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2025 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) T.J. Parker, Clemson
We saw already how talented Clemson was on the offensive side of the ball, and they might be more talented on the defensive side of the ball. That’s scary for the rest of the ACC. It starts with T.J. Parker, who might be the most dangerous pass rusher in college football. He’s coming off a season where he had a whopping 32 Tackles for Losses, with 105 tackles. NFL scouts are drooling to use a 1st round pick on him.
2) Peter Woods, Clemson
Clemson hasn’t been this good on the defensive since 2018. Peter Woods is the second Clemson defensive lineman on this list after a 59-tackle, and 11 TFLS in 2024, and this was after having injury issues last year. Some NFL observers have him as the top DT in college football, and another potential 1st round pick along Clemson’s defensive line.
3) Rueban Bain Jr., Miami
Miami was uneven on defense last season, and it probably cost them a playoff appearance. Don’t blame Rueban Bain, though. He was an honorable mention All-ACC player in a season where he missed 4 games. This was after a 2023 season where he was the ACC defensive rookie of the year. He’s projected as a 1st or 2nd round NFL pick. When healthy Bain is one of college football’s best pass rushers.
4) Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
If Florida State is going to have a rebound season in 2025, defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. will be a big part of that. He had 32 tackles and 4 tackles for loss in 2024 in an All-ACC Honorable Mention season. He is definitely NFL project that is currently slated to go in the mid rounds, but there’s enough potential that he could get into the 1st round discussion. The Noles have a good one here.
5) Jordan Van Den Berg, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s Jordan Van Den Berg is one of the highest returning All-ACC vote getters along the defensive line. He was a second-team All- ACC player in 2024. The Penn State transfer stepped in at Georgia Tech and became a disruptive force with 23 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.
