Where does Clemson stack up in the ACC pecking order with spring ball upon us?

Athlon Sports recently released its 2026 ACC spring power rankings, and Clemson checked in at No. 4 following a 7-6 campaign in 2025 – the program’s worst season in 15 years.

“Last year’s 7-6 season was a major disappointment,” Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan wrote. “Can coach Dabo Swinney turn things around in ‘26? Swinney didn’t sit idle after last year’s seven-win campaign, shaking up the coaching staff with a couple of changes, including bringing back Chad Morris to call plays. Also, the Tigers added 10 transfers from the portal. This spring is the first window into how this team has turned the page from last season.”

To no surprise, Miami is No. 1 in Athlon’s ACC spring power rankings after making an appearance in the national title game this past season and then adding star quarterback Darian Mensah from Duke in a major 2026 transfer portal move.

“The Hurricanes open spring as a heavy favorite to win the ACC in ’26,” Lassan wrote. “Transfer quarterback Darian Mensah (Duke) is one of the top portal acquisitions by any team this offseason, and rising star receiver Malachi Toney is back after a standout freshman campaign. The offensive and defensive lines will be retooled. However, coach Mario Cristobal continues to land elite talent on the recruiting trail and through the portal to ensure those groups won’t miss much of a beat.”

Louisville is No. 2 in Athlon’s power rankings, with SMU, Clemson and Virginia Tech rounding out the top five. Boston College ranks last among all 17 ACC football teams.

Clemson’s 2026 schedule includes home ACC games against North Carolina (Sept. 19), Miami (Oct. 3), Virginia Tech (Oct. 24) and Georgia Tech (Nov. 14), while the Tigers will play road ACC games against Cal (Sept. 25), Florida State (Oct. 31), Syracuse (Nov. 6 or Nov. 7) and Duke (Nov. 21).

Here’s where Clemson’s 2026 conference opponents stand in Athlon’s spring power rankings:

Miami: No. 1

Virginia Tech: No. 5

Georgia Tech: No. 7

Florida State: No. 10

Cal: No. 11

Duke: No. 13

North Carolina: No. 14

Syracuse: No. 15