ACC Media Days 2023 schedule, what to watch

One of the more important dates on the offseason college football schedule has arrived as the ACC Media Days (or as it's officially called, ACC Football Kickoff) is ready to begin, heralding a major turning point leading into the 2023 season, and it will be an event full of important questions to be asked and hopefully some direct answers on the fate of a conference facing what could be an interesting future.

Clemson returns to Charlotte as the reigning ACC football champion, but the Tigers' ability to repeat as champs will be challenged by a resurgent Florida State team that won 10 games last season and may have finally found its footing under head coach Mike Norvell. Both teams come into the season as possible College Football Playoff contenders, too, but not before they face off in Week 4.

ACC Football Kickoff schedule

When: July 25-27

Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

TV: ACC Network

Stream: fuboTV (Try for free)

When each school takes the stage

Tuesday, July 25

Georgia Tech: Head coach Brent Key, defensive back LaMiles Brooks, offensive lineman Jordan Williams, defensive lineman Sylvain Yondjouen

Louisville: Head coach Jeff Brohm, running back Jawhar Jordan, defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte, offensive lineman Bryan Hudson

Miami: Head coach Mario Cristobal, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, defensive back Kam Kinchens, offensive lineman Matt Lee

Syracuse: Head coach Dino Babers, quarterback Garrett Shrader, tight end Oronde Gadsden, linebacker Marlowe Wax

Wednesday, July 26

Duke: Head coach Mike Elko, quarterback Riley Leonard, defensive lineman DeWayne Carter, offensive lineman Jacob Monk

Florida State: Head coach Mike Norvell, quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive lineman Jared Verse, linebacker Kalen DeLoach

Pittsburgh: Head coach Pat Narduzzi, quarterback Phil Jurkovec, defensive back MJ Devonshire, offensive lineman Matt Goncalves

Virginia: Head coach Tony Elliott, quarterback Tony Muskett, defensive lineman Chico Bennett, running back Perris Jones

Virginia Tech: Head coach Brent Pry, tight end Nick Gallo, defensive lineman Josh Fuga, wide receiver Ali Jennings

Thursday, July 27

Boston College: Head coach Jeff Hafley, quarterback Emmett Morehead, defensive lineman Donovan Ezeiruaku, offensive lineman Christian Mahogany

Clemson: Head coach Dabo Swinney, quarterback Cade Klubnik, offensive lineman Will Putnam, defensive lineman Tyler Davis

North Carolina: Head coach Mack Brown, quarterback Drake Maye, linebacker Cedric Gray, tight end John Copenhaver

NC State: Head coach Dave Doeren, quarterback Brennan Armstrong, linebacker Payton Wilson, defensive back Aydan White

Wake Forest: Head coach Dave Clawson, quarterback Mitch Griffis, offensive lineman Michael Jurgens, linebacker Chase Jones

What to watch for

Realignment rumors: They just don't go away, do they? Especially after the so-called Magnificent Seven apparently did some recon work this offseason to see if they could get out of the ACC's air-tight grant of rights that runs through 2036. After seeing that they likely couldn't, at least not without paying a $120 million exit fee, those seven decided to stay put, and the league promised it would find a way to pay them more money in the future. There are still questions about what that deal looks like in the fine print and concerns the ACC is falling behind the SEC and Big Ten in revenue share.

Clemson's offense: This unit definitely hasn't looked as dominant as the days when this team was playing for and winning College Football Playoff titles and the lack of difference-makers at wide receiver is still glaring. Cade Klubnik is a five-star option at QB and Will Shipley returns to run the ball, but how can the Tigers get more aggressive? That's where Garrett Riley comes in. Arguably the best assistant hire in the nation this offseason, the former TCU play-caller will be charged with reviving Clemson's downfield attack.

Sleeper teams: It looks like Clemson and Florida State are the two preseason favorites to return to Charlotte in December, but what team is best in position to challenge them? Louisville brings on a new-look team under first-year coach Jeff Brohm and plays a favorable schedule. NC State lost Devin Leary but gained Brennan Armstrong in the transfer portal. North Carolina sticks out as an ACC title contender with Drake Maye returning at QB and a defense that should look better from a year ago.

Can UNC make a move: Having Maye back is crucial, but the Tar Heels have questions around wide receiver after some notable departures, need more production rushing the ball, and have to get a lot better protecting the quarterback. Carolina also posted the ACC's worst total and scoring defense, struggled on third down, and failed to generate a consistent pass rush. Create some negative plays and cover better downfield and UNC could surprise people and be back in the conference title hunt.

FSU's encore: Mike Norvell has built the Seminoles' roster into a contender and he got some help when quarterback Jordan Travis and edge rusher Jared Verse both elected to return to school this season. Add in some transfers like cornerback Fentrell Cypress, tight end Jaheim Bell, and wide receiver Keon Coleman, along with an expected seven returning defensive players, and FSU has the pieces to make a run at the ACC title, if not more, right now.

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