Oddsmakers anticipate a competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football season in 2026, with Miami emerging as the frontrunner, but Virginia Tech is identified as a significant dark horse pick.
Despite losing key players to the NFL Draft, the Hurricanes are the only team considered odds-on favorites to win the conference. However, the strength of the ACC was questioned in 2025, with the championship game featuring a 7-5 Duke team that did not receive a College Football Playoff invitation. Two Group of 5 teams and Miami ultimately secured playoff spots.
Virginia Tech's potential to challenge for the ACC title is tied to the hiring of James Franklin as head coach. Franklin, who previously led Penn State, is expected to restore a sense of pride and competitiveness to the Blacksburg program. He has brought several former Penn State contributors, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds, to Virginia Tech. Grunkemeyer showed promise in a difficult situation as a freshman and is expected to have a more manageable task in the ACC compared to the Big Ten.
The Hokies' schedule features a softer opening, allowing time for the team to gel before facing tougher opponents like Clemson, SMU, Miami, and Virginia later in the season. Bettors are encouraged by the perceived gap between Virginia Tech and other contenders, suggesting their 30/1 odds at theScore Bet offer value.
Another long-shot contender highlighted is California (45/1 at DraftKings). The Golden Bears are noted for possessing freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who impressed with 3,454 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, showing improvement as the season progressed. New head coach Tosh Lupoi, known for his recruiting prowess, is expected to build a talented roster around Sagapolutele, with a particular focus on improving the defense.
Miami's chances are bolstered by the transfer of quarterback Darian Mensah from Duke, where he threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. He is joined by his former top receiver, Cooper Barkate. While questions remain about Miami's ability to immediately replicate their previous success given roster turnover, their standing in the ACC race is largely due to the perceived weaknesses of other conference teams.