Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2024 season. If you see players from Stanford, Cal, or SMU – it’s not a misprint. Here we go!
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Cam Ward, Miami
Miami picked up what many considered the best transfer portal QB available. Cam Ward previously of Washington State was part of a Pac 12 loaded with QB talent last year. He was among the best QBs the Pac 12 had to offer. Ward threw for 3735 yards with a nearly 67% completion rate.
Ward is experienced, talented, and accurate. He is an NFL prospect and considered a Day 2 prospect. Miami may have hit the lottery with this transfer, and we’ve already seen him on some pre-season Heisman lists.
2) Kryon Drones, Virginia Tech
There is optimism in Blacksburg, and it all starts at the QB position. Kryon Drones is getting dark horse Heisman buzz as the best returning dual-threat QB in the ACC. Last season Drones had over 2000 yards passing and over 800 yards on the ground. He had 17 TDs and just 3 interceptions. He got better as the season progressed, and played his best football in the second half of the season.
He could have a monster season if he puts a whole year together that matches the numbers he put up in the 2nd half of 2023.
3) Grayson McCall, NC State
If Cam Ward was the best transfer QB in the ACC, then NC State’s picking Grayson McCall wasn’t far behind. NC State fans I’m sure they will say their pickup was better. We’ll see, but the Wolfpack did very well landing McCall who is the 3 time Sun Belt player of the year from Coastal Carolina.
For his career, he has a sterling near 70% completion rate and has thrown for over 10,000 yards. He’s considered a mid-round NFL pick, but he is coming off a head injury that saw his season end after October 21. He looked good in NC State’s spring game and the Wolfpack should very feel very good about their prospects at the quarterback position.
4) Haynes King, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech found a gem of a QB in the transfer portal getting Haynes King from Texas A&M. Last season he provided the best QB play seen at Georgia Tech in nearly a decade. King threw for over 2800 yards and had 737 yards on the ground. He accounted for 35 Touchdowns passing and running, and this was in his first year starting under new OC Buster Faulker and QB coach Chris Weinke. He helped lead Georgia Tech to their first winning season since 2018, and their first bowl win since 2016.
If there is a knock on King, it is the 16 interceptions he threw. If he can cut that in half, he could challenge for All-ACC honors. Despite a tough schedule, Haynes King will give Georgia Tech a chance in every game.
5) Preston Jones, SMU
It’s our first entry from one of the ACC’s new members. QB Preston Jones led SMU to a 10-2 start before a season-ending injury against Navy. Jones broke his fibula, and I always hesitate to place players too high coming off such major injuries. That said if Jones returns to his previous form he will be one of the best QBs in the ACC.
Last season he nearly three 3200 yards and 28 passing touchdowns. He’s got decent mobility with good accuracy completing almost 60% of his passes with just 6 interceptions.
