It is never easy to narrow down the best players in the ACC into the final Top 25 player ranking. Inevitably, elite players miss the cut every single year.
Here is a look at the top five players who just missed out.
Sheldon Rankins, DE, Louisville: Rankins was the anchor of the Louisville defensive line, finishing second on the team with 13 tackles for loss and six sacks. Louisville ranked No. 14 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing 3.3 yards per carry, and Rankins is a big reason.
Justin Simmons, S, Boston College: Simmons was a big reason BC ended up as one of the best defenses in the country.