Colleague Mark Schlabach released his Way-Too-Early Top 25 following Monday’s finale, and he bestowed four ACC teams the honor of inclusion among his early analysis.
Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina and Louisville all made the cut, which should come as no surprise considering the Tigers’ and Seminoles’ consistency, the Tar Heels’ emergence and the Cardinals’ bowl performance.
Which team outside that group has the best chance of finishing 2016 in the top 25, though? The coaching carousel offered winter makeovers to much of the conference, especially in the much-maligned Coastal Division. The Atlantic saw its share of transformation, too, as Syracuse hired Dino Babers and Dave Doeren reshaped his staff following a disappointing season.