Well here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2021 season.
As usual we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Sam Howell, North Carolina
It was an easy choice to put Sam Howell at the top of our ACC QB rankings. North Carolina’s record setting quarterback is back for junior and possibly final season in Chapel Hill. He will enter 2021 as on just about every pre-season Heisman watch list, and is a near certain 1st round NFL pick.
He’s thrown a whopping a 68 TDs in just two years, and last season threw for over 3,500 with 30 TDs and just 7 interceptions. The Heels lost a lot of talent on offense, but Howell back UNC’s offense will still be extremely potent.
2) D’Eriq King, Miami
Coming off a torn ACL, I hesitated to put D’Eriq King this high in these ACC QB rankings. If he can return to his 2020 form, then he’s definitely in the top 2 or 3 of ACC QBs. Last season had 2,686 yards through the air, and over 500 on the ground. More than just stats though, King led to 8-1 start and changed the identity of a Miami team, that really struggled offensively at the end of the 2019 season.
King can beat with you with his arm or his legs. He’s a game changer when he’s healthy.
3) D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson
The quarterback train just keeps rolling at Clemson. They replaced Deshaun Watson with Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence heads to the NFL, and in walks the talented D.J. Uiagalelei. Uiagalelei looked fantastic in his two starts last year, throwing for over 800 yards against Boston College and Notre Dame and didn’t throw an interception.
The former 5 star recruit at 6-5, 260 lbs is an imposing figure behind center. If he gets in a full season 2021, he could show up on some Heisman lists. Don’t expect much dropoff at QB for Clemson.
4) Phil Jurkovec, Boston College
Boston College quietly put together one of the most talented top to bottom offenses in the ACC. As @Hokiesmash_ASD told me early in the Spring, the Eagles are loaded at offensive line, have arguably the ACC’s best WR with Zay Flowers, and Phil Jurkovec returns as one of the best QB’s in the ACC. This offense will be really good.
The Notre Dame transfer completed 61% of passes for 2,500 yards. He had 17 TD with just 5 interceptions. At 6-5 225 lbs, he has the size NFL scouts covet. There’s already talk of Jurkovec being a top 3 round draft pick.
5) Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh got good news in the off-season when QB Kenny Pickett decided to return for his 5th year. He’s been starting at Pitt since 2018, throwing for over 8000 yards during his career while completing 60.4% of his passes.
SI.com has Pickett projected as a 1st round NFL pick ahead of Sam Howell. Obviously I don’t have Pickett ahead of Howell here, but that gives you an idea of how well respected he is in some circles. If Pitt can develop a running in 2021, Pickett could have a huge season.
