2023 college football outlook - ACC at a glance - ESPN

While uncertainty rules the ACC's long-term future, the outlook on the field this season seems relatively clear: Florida State and Clemson look like the class of the conference.

Of course, things rarely play out as expected, and there's plenty of intrigue with the Seminoles, Tigers and beyond. Can FSU live up to the greatest expectations it has faced in recent memory? Will Dabo Swinney build on the momentum gained toward the end of last season? And which teams will emerge among the second-tier contenders — Pitt, North Carolina, NC State, Louisville or Miami?

ESPN reporters Andrea Adelson and David Hale look at the league's top newcomers, biggest early season games, coaches on the hot seat and MVP and championship game picks.

North Carolina receivers Tez Walker (maybe) and Nate McCollum (definitely): Replacing the production lost by departing stars Josh Downs and Antoine Green is no easy task for the Heels, but they landed two proven players in the portal this offseason. McCollum blossomed late for Georgia Tech last year and should fill Downs' slot position nicely, while Walker was among the best outside receivers in the Group of 5 last year, catching 58 balls for 921 yards and 11 scores at Kent State. The only problem is the NCAA denied Walker's request to play immediately after transferring a second time in his career (his first came after NC Central canceled its 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic), and the Tar Heels are still awaiting an answer on an appeal of the decision. — David M. Hale

Louisville QB Jack Plummer: A sizable portion of the Cardinals' roster could have a case for being on this list, as first-year head coach Jeff Brohm overhauled it through the portal this offseason, but let's start with the