The ACC made a strong impact in the 2025 NFL Draft, with 42 players selected, placing the conference third in total draft picks. Quarterback Cam Ward led the way as the number one overall pick, while Miami claimed the most selections from the ACC with seven players drafted.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Draft, the ACC is again home to several standout prospects. Clemson's Cade Klubnik, a potential number one overall pick, is a name to watch, while Miami’s offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, who carries a top-20 grade, is also highly regarded. Miami’s presence is felt once again with three players making the Preseason All-ACC NFL Draft offensive team.
Preseason All-ACC NFL Draft offense
The Preseason All-ACC NFL Draft offensive team highlights the conference’s premier talent, showcasing the future stars of the NFL.
Quarterback: Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Heading into the 2025 season, Cade Klubnik is projected by ESPN as the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There’s no debate—he’s the clear leader of this Clemson squad. Klubnik is technically sharp, poised in the pocket, and mobile enough to extend plays or pick up key yards with his legs. Expect him to be the driving force behind Clemson’s push for a national title this fall.
Running Back: Hollywood Smothers, NC State
North Carolina State’s Hollywood Smothers might not be a household name yet, but don’t be shocked when NFL teams take a long look at him. He brings legit playmaking ability. Last season, he ranked second in the ACC in yards per carry (6.4) among backs with 100+ attempts and led the conference in yards after contact at 4.49. According to Pro Football Focus, his 59.5% breakaway rate ranked fifth nationally among backs with at least 75 carries. The ACC’s running back class isn’t loaded, and while Smothers carries just a fifth-round grade on my board, he’s still the top back in the conference.
Wide Receiver: Duce Robinson, Florida State
Duce Robinson may not have the production yet, but his raw physical tools make him impossible to ignore. After transferring from USC, where he started just five games and recorded 23 catches—five of them touchdowns—Robinson arrives at Florida State with a ton of upside. At 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, he brings rare size to the position and pairs it with surprising agility and body control. If he puts it all together this season, scouts will be paying close attention.
Wide Receiver: CJ Daniels, Miami
Another transfer wide receiver who makes this list is Miami’s CJ Daniels, who last season was suiting up for LSU. Daniels is a sure-handed receiver who didn’t drop a single pass all year and hauled in 86% of targets in tight coverage, per PFF. He should quickly become a trusted option for Carson Beck this fall.
Slot: Antonio Williams, Clemson
Antonio Williams has been a difference-maker since arriving at Clemson, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022 after leading the Tigers in receptions and receiving yards. His 10 starts that season were the most by a Clemson true freshman wideout since Sammy Watkins in 2011. In addition to being a consistent threat on offense, he’s also a dangerous weapon as a punt returner.
Tight End: Sam Roush, Stanford
Stanford may be in full rebuild mode under new head coach Frank Reich, but tight end Sam Roush gives them a legitimate building block. At 6'5", 260 pounds, Roush is a big, reliable target who thrives in traffic and brings a physical edge to the passing game. He’s also got the size and strength to hold his own as an in-line blocker—something NFL teams still value.
Offensive Tackle: Francis Mauigoa, Miami
One of the highest-rated prospects in the ACC is Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, who carries a top-20 grade on my board. His standout trait is his raw power—once he gets his hands on a defender, the rep is basically over. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, he’s got the ideal size for the next level and projects as a plug-and-play right tackle in the NFL.
"Francis Mauigoa is striving for perfection, for absolute excellence. He just goes. He’s got his foot on the gas. He is unbelievably fun to coach because every single day, he brings it, and he brings it with a great attitude."Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
Offensive Guard: Logan Parr, SMU
One of the top pass-blocking guards in college football last season was SMU’s Logan Parr. He didn’t allow a single sack in 2024 and earned an impressive 82.4 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
Center: James Brockermeyer, Miami
The third Hurricane to make the offensive All-ACC NFL Draft team is center James Brockermeyer. This will be his first season in Miami after transferring from TCU. He’s a mobile center who slides well in pass protection and gets to the second level with ease. NFL teams running zone-blocking schemes will likely be the ones most drawn to his skill set.
Offensive Guard: Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
Last season, Keylan Rutledge earned first-team All-ACC honors and enters this year as one of the top guards in the conference. He’s a physical blocker who consistently finishes plays and brings a high football IQ to the position—he blew just two blocking assignments all season.
Offensive Tackle: Fa'alili Fa'amoe, Wake Forest
Yet another 2026 NFL Draft prospect who joined the ACC this year is Wake Forest’s Fa'alili Fa'amoe, who transferred in this offseason. Fa'amoe is an impressive athlete still developing the finer points of offensive line play after switching from the defensive line to offensive tackle in 2022.
Kicker: John Love, Virginia Tech
John Love has one of the strongest legs in the 2026 NFL Draft. Last season, he went a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals from 50+ yards, including a long of 60. If he can remember to let the band finish playing before warming up, he should be set up for a solid NFL career.
Please note the Preseason All-ACC defensive team will be released on Tuesday.