ACC men’s basketball preseason power rankings for 2026-27

The top of the ACC basketball standings is expected to be as strong as it has been in recent years for the 2026-27 season. However, the middle and bottom half of the conference could also see significant improvement. Here are the top seven ranked teams:

1. Duke Blue Devils - The Blue Devils returned four of their top six scorers from the 2025-26 season, including preseason ACC Rookie of the Year Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje. They also added top-rated transfer John Blackwell and five-star freshmen Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey Jr. This may be the deepest team Jon Scheyer has had in his tenure at Duke, which speaks volumes about his ability to assemble talent.

2. Louisville Cardinals - Pat Kelsey has once again made a push for the title of "portal king" with a loaded class including Flory Bidunga, Jackson Shelstad, Karter Knox, Alvoro Folgueiras, and De’Shayne Montgomery. The return of guard Adrian Wooley could also prove crucial for Louisville's chances of making it to the NCAA Tournament second weekend since 2015.

3. Miami Hurricanes - Head coach Jai Lucas proved he has the capability to be one of the next big coaching stars in college basketball after leading Miami from seven wins in 2024-25 to 26 wins and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2025-26. The addition of Villanova point guard transfer Acaden Lewis, DeSean Goode, and Somto Cyril to the team should bolster their chances of success in the upcoming season.

4. Virginia Cavaliers - The Cavaliers return four of their six leading scorers from last season's second-place finish in the ACC. While some may be upset with their ranking, the return of preseason ACC Player of the Year Thijs De Ridder, along with other key players, gives the Cavaliers a strong foundation to build upon.

5. North Carolina Tar Heels - With a new era beginning under former NBA champion Michael Malone, the Tar Heels are expected to make a push for the top four in the ACC. Transfers Terrence Brown and Neoklis Avdalas will add options to the rotation, but the team will need to adjust to Malone's unique style of coaching.

6. Clemson Tigers - Under coach Brad Brownell, the Tigers don't have the talent of the top five teams in the ACC, but they have a proven system that has led to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. The addition of perimeter shooting and frontcourt depth, including Notre Dame transfer Cole Certa, should provide a boost for the team as the season begins.

7. Florida State Seminoles - The Seminoles were the surprise of the league last season, finishing with 11 wins in their final 15 games under first-year head coach Luke Loucks. With a highly-talented six-man freshman class and talented athletes, Florida State has the size and athleticism needed to give the top teams in the ACC nightmares this upcoming season.