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 | Defensive Linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may have the best linebacking unit the ACC, and it starts with Kyle Louis. He was the leading All-ACC vote getter at linebacker last year, and he’s dotting pre-season All-American teams going into this season. Last year, he had 100 tackles with 7 sacks and 4 interceptions. He’s a certain NFL draft pick right now slated for the mid rounds, with a real chance to move into the 2nd or 3rd rounds.
2) Wade Woodaz, Clemson
Wade Woodaz had a massive 2024, and that was after missing 2 games. He still had a season where he had 89 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. He made several All-ACC teams last year, and going into this season, he is a consensus 1st or 2nd All-ACC preseason pick. He is considered one of the top 10 outside linebackers in the country.
3) Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s Rasheem Biles gives the Panthers their second linebacker in the top 3 of ACC linebackers. Last season, he had 82 tackles with a sterling 14.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. PFF says between Louis and Biles, Pittsburgh might have the best linebacker unit in the country. That gives Pittsburgh a couple of NFL-caliber linebackers on their defense. Don’t sleep on Pittsburgh defensively this year.
4) Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech
Kyle Efford is a total throwback of a linebacker. Last year he had a 3rd team All-ACC season even though he spent most of the 2nd half of the year with an injury. He still had a 64-tackle season, with 3 sacks. If he can stay healthy, he could have a really big 2025. He’s the heart and soul of the Georgia Tech defense.
5) Sean Brown, NC State
One of the top returning linebackers in the ACC is Sean Brown of NC State. In 2024 he was an honorable mention All-ACC selection. He had a 96-tackle season, averaging over 7 tackles a game. He’s a physical and rangy linebacker who creates real havoc for offenses. Brown has the potential to play on Sundays.
