Cade Klubnik vs Darian Mensah in unlikely battle, and NC State star power highlight ACC hot takes heading into 2025 CFB season
It might just be July, but before we know it, the 2025 college football season will officially be upon us. The ACC conference is going to be one of the more interesting collection of teams to keep a close eye on heading into the fall. There are some top teams, or so we think, but […]
It might just be July, but before we know it, the 2025 college football season will officially be upon us. The ACC conference is going to be one of the more interesting collection of teams to keep a close eye on heading into the fall. There are some top teams, or so we think, but the hierarchy doesn’t seem to be very settled.
For a little bit of fun, let’s talk about some ACC hot takes heading into the season. There are some players, and teams, that could be set to take folks by surprise. Here are a few things I’m keeping a close eye on.
Top QB in the ACC
Heading into the 2025 season, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is the betting favorite to be the top quarterback in the ACC. The hype is legitimate, especially coming off of a 2024 season where he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdown. Klubnik also added another 463 yards and seven scores as a runner. He has really impressive dual threat ability.
While Klubnik is an excellent quarterback, his presence is causing us to overlook several talented signal callers in the conference. That includes Duke standout Darian Mensah, who transferred over from Tulane this offseason. While Mensah didn’t light up the box score a ton in his first year as the starter, he did managed to throw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns, while completing right around 66 percent of his passes and throwing just six interceptions.
My bold prediction is that not only will Mensah have a huge first season for the Blue Devils, but he could be in the conversation for top quarterback in the conference by the end of the season. Klubnik would still be my pick to hold that honor, but Mensah is certainly talented enough to make that type of jump in 2025.
CJ Bailey becomes 2025 breakout
Bailey wasn’t expected to be the starting quarterback for NC State last season, but he ended up taking advantage of opportunity when he got on the field. A skinny quarterback at 6-6 and 190 pounds, Bailey does his best work inside of the pocket, but he also can make some magic outside of structure. Bailey ended his true freshman campaign with 2,413 and 17 touchdowns, while also adding another 279 yards and five scores on the ground.
With an offseason of physical development, and more comfort in the offense, Bailey has a chance to become an ACC star in 2025. He has an outstanding blend of talent. It’s all about development at the point, and confidence in what he’s seeing on the field.
Desmond Reid leads CFB in yards
After transferring over from Western Carolina prior to the 2024 season, Reid became one of the more dynamic all purpose weapons in college football in his first year with the team. The diminutive playmaker managed to explode for 1,545 offensive yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, averaging 6.5 yards per touch. There’s a chance he could be even better with a more consistent passing attack this season.
Pitt Panthers make the ACC Championship game
Before quarterback Eli Holstein got injured this past season, the Pitt Panthers looked like one of the biggest surprise teams in all of college football. Predicting health can be tricky, but if the former Alabama transfer can stay healthy in 2025, they have a chance to put together a great season. That’s especially true is star running back Desmond Reid can pick up where he left off.
Add in a very talented defense, led by linebacker Kyle Louis, and this could end up being the best Pitt team head coach Pat Narduzzi has had in a while. All the stats are there. It’ll depend on if those stats can all align together.
Sawyer Robertson becomes national star, and a Utah Ute resurgence highlight Big 12 Hot Takes heading into 2025 CFB season
Big 12 Hot Takes heading into the 2025 season
