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
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Jake Briningstool, Clemson
Clemson’s offense in the last few years has sputtered with inconsistency. One offensive spot that don’t have to worry about is TE with the record-setting Jake Briningstool. He tied a Clemson record for TE’s with 50 receptions last season, with 498 yards receiving and 5 TDs. Briningstool also holds the TE Clemson record for receiving yards in a game at 126. He set that record against Miami last season.
Briningstool is one of the better TE’s in the country and is considered a 2nd to 4th-round NFL pick.
2) Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
If there was a TE award in 2023 and going into 2024 in the ACC, Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden’s name was on it. In 2022 he had a 70 reception 1000+ yard season. He was getting major pre-season All-American recognition. His season was cut short last season early and he missed the final 11 games of the year.
If he can return to form from his 2023 foot injury, we’re looking at a 1st or 2nd round NFL talent with All-American potential.
3) Corey Dyches, Cal
Corey Dyches is headed to Cal by way of Maryland, and he was one of the best TEs in the Big 10 last year making 3rd team All-Big 10. In 2023 Dyches caught 49 passes for 491 yards and a couple of TDs. In 2022 he was honorable mention All-Big 10.
Lindy’s has him as a first-team All-ACC preseason player. I’m not sure I’m ready to put above Briningstool and Gadsden at this point, but he’s a good one. If he adjusts to his new home at Cal, he’s going to have a big season.
4) R.J. Maryland, SMU
Have you noticed SMU has landed a number of players on top 5 lists so far? Don’t sleep on SMU this year. They add yet player with TE R.J. Marland who was the best TE in the AAC last season. The 6-4 233 TE, had 34 catches for 518 yards and 7 TDs last year. His 15.2 yards per catch average is second-best on this list.
He’s considered a later-round NFL prospect. Another season like last could move him into the top 4 rounds.
5) Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh
Pitt’s Gavin Bartholomew made this top 5 list last year as did Briningstool and Gadsden. He finds himself there again this season after a solid 2023. Last year he had 326 yards receiving on just 18 catches for a whopping 18 yards per catch total. Any wide reviewer would love to have that kind of receiving catch average
Those stats are after missing the final two games of the year or his yardage numbers would have approached others on this list. He’s coming off an Honorable Mention All-ACC season.
