Post-Spring ACC Predictions: Can anyone stop Clemson?

Following a hiccup in 2021, the Clemson Tigers took back their spot atop the ACC last year. Dabo Swinney and company have now won seven out of the last eight conference titles and appear to be the favorite again in 2023.

This season will look a little different as the conference ditched its division format, opting to pit its two top teams against each other at the end of the season. Big-time transfers, a ton of returning talent, elite recruits, and a great out-of-conference slate have this season looking like it could be one to remember.

Newcomer of the Year: Peter Woods - Clemson

Transfers are obviously a bigger part of the game than ever before, but this is an honor that should be reserved for freshmen. Woods, one of four elite defensive line recruits for Clemson, just looks different. He'll need to take advantage of this summer to get into college football shape, but the guy who won 5 state championships in Alabama looks primed for a big snap share this season. Woods can stuff the run and get after the quarterback.

Offensive Player of the Year: Jordan Travis - Florida State

In the age of instant gratification, Travis is the perfect example of giving a guy time to develop. He was the highest-ranked quarterback in the ACC by PFF in 2022 and is primed for a huge season. With outstanding skill guys at every level of the offense, Travis should put up great numbers.

Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Verse - Florida State

It'd be hard to argue with either Jeremiah Trotter Jr. or Barrett Carter from Clemson. Both linebackers are elite in pass coverage, run defense, and rushing the quarterback. Safety Kamren Kinchens from Miami would be a great pick as well, but everyone loves an edge rusher. After posting 17.0 tackles for a loss and 10.0 sacks in his first season in the FBS, Verse likely would've been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft but he elected to return for another season. If he improves on those numbers even a little bit, he'll be at the top of this list.

Most Improved Team: Miami (5-7 in 2022)

We've all been here before. How many times have you heard that Miami and Texas are "back"? We're not saying that Miami is winning a title, but after signing a top-10 recruiting class - including 4 of the top 100 players in the country - and bringing in some elite transfers, Miami should make some drastic improvements. With a manageable schedule - that thankfully doesn't include Middle Tennessee State - 8-9 wins aren't out of the question.

ACC Championship Game: Clemson vs Florida State

We'll get out first taste of this matchup on September 23rd. With Jordan Travis and all of the supporting cast, this feels like a season FSU can't let slide by without some kind of postseason success. Travis, Verse, Johnny Wilson, and plenty of other talented guys could be gone after this season. But an orange and purple cloud looms over the ACC. Clemson starts with a tough game at Duke but then has two easier games to get Cade Klubnik and the offense up to speed prior to Florida State. The Seminoles will likely get two shots at the Tigers (regular season & ACC Championship), will they be able to take advantage?