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 | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Special Teams
1) Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU
SMU has some sneaky good talent on their roster as you’ve probably seen in these lists. This is one of the 5 or 6 most talented teams in the ACC, and they have the ACC’s top returning safety in Isaiah Nwokobia. Nwokobia was a 1st team All-ACC safety in 2024, and has been seen on some preseason All-American teams. He’s an exceptional run-stopper, and he’s been projected as a 3rd round NFL pick.
2) Terry Moore, Duke
Duke already had the number 1 cornerback with Chandler Rivers, and now the Blue Devil’s Terry Moore is the number 2 safety in the ACC. Duke might just have the best secondary in the ACC. Moore was a 2nd team All-ACC team player last year, just missing the 1st team. He’s also getting some All-American buzz, and it’s a close call between Moore and Nwokobia. He had 71 tackles and 7 tackles for loss last year.
3) Khalil Barnes, Clemson
Shocker, another Clemson player in our top 5 list. Khalil Barnes was an honorable mention All-ACC selection last year. That was in a season where he had 61 tackles and 4 interceptions. He was a freshman All-American in 2023, and he’s got NFL potential. He’s projected as a 5th or 6th round NFL, who’s looking to move up with a strong season.
4) Duce Chestnut, Syracuse
Duce Chestnut is the backstop in the Syracuse defense. Chestnut has been really good for a long time. Back in 2021, Chestnut was a freshman All-American who was 3rd team All-ACC. He transferred to LSU in 2023, but returned to Syracuse in 2024, where he started to show that All-ACC form again with 62 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
5) Shyheim Brown, Florida State
Florida State has a pretty good safety in 6-2 Shyheim Brown. Last season saw him total 70 tackles and receive an ACC Defensive Back of the Week to open the season. In his career, he’s had 144 tackles, and if he can show more consistency, he could be in line for a great season.
