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 | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Chris Peal, Syracuse
Syracuse has had a lot of entries in our top ACC players list, but they have the ACC’s #1 cornerback here. Chris Peal was 4 star recruit coming out of high school when he committed to Georgia. He transferred to Syracuse after the 2024 season, and had a strong 2025 season for the Cuse. He had 47 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 7 pass breakups. NFL scouts have taken notice as he’s staring to garner 1st round buzz.
2) Ashton Hampton, Clemson
Clemson has quality players all across their defense. Not late 2010s overall talent, but still among the best in the ACC. Ashton Hampton is another very good player for the Clemson Tiger defense. Hampton had a 47 tackle, 3 tackle for loss, 11 pass breakups, and an interception last season. He’ll be the anchor of the Tiger secondary, and could be a top 3 round draft choice.
3) Tayon Holloway, Louisville
Is Louisville the ACC’s second most talented team behind Miami? You can make that argument after seeing the number of Cardinal players on our ACC Top lists. Tayon Hollway was coming off an honorable mention All-ACC season, with 42 tackles and a couple of interceptions. His pure coverage skills are arguably the best the in ACC.
4) 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 cornerback player rankings one day. He was a Freshman All-American as voted by Football Writers Association of America. Even as just part-time starter in his freshman season, he recorded 6 interceptions. What does he have in store in his sophomore season?
5) Ja’Bril Rawls, Florida State
Ja’Bril Rawls had a breakout RS Sophomore season in 2025. In a season where he suffered an injury that forced him to miss the most of the 2nd half of the season, Rawls had already produced a 40 tackle, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups, an interception, and a fumble recovery. If Rawls can get a full season in, he certainly has NFL prospect pontetial.
