Biggest strength: Defensive line
Ashton Gillotte brings 11 sacks and 14.5 tackles for last season back to Louisville’s restructured defensive front, which includes a bevy of transfer portal additions who should provide immediate aid in the Cardinals’ quest of returning to the ACC Championship Game.
Biggest strength: Defense
This might be the strongest unit seen in a decade in Blacksburg given the decisions by several draftable players to return. Edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland tallied 9.5 sacks, cornerbacks Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane would’ve been mid-round selections and Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles has chosen Virginia Tech for added spotlight.
Biggest strength: Running back room
When you bring back the Doak Walker Award winner, you simply feed him behind a strong, veteran offensive line and let him work. Ollie Gordon II figures to be one of college football’s leaders in yards, touchdowns and total attempts this fall for the Cowboys in the Big 12.
Biggest strength: Running back room
Unless Garrett Greene gobbles up most of the rushing touchdowns in the red zone, West Virginia’s standout duo of CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White figures to be uber-productive in this spread attack from the Mountaineers. As a freshman last season, White used his 5-7, 190-pound frame to squeeze his way between defenders and managed several big plays en route to three 100-yard games over his final five, highlighted by 204 yards against Cincinnati.
Biggest strength: Wide receiver room
Miller Moss takes over at quarterback for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams and has a plethora of talent to distribute the football to offensively. Zachariah Branch is a budding star at multiple positions, while Duce Robinson and Ja’Kobi Lane are emerging threats.
Biggest strength: Offensive line
Anthony Belton and Jacarrius Peak return as NC State’s veteran starting tackles and the Wolfpack made sure to plug other holes with portal assistance. Guard Timothy McKay is one of the most dependable players at his position in the ACC and former Notre Dame center Zeke Correll — a Top 10 interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal — will look to lock up the middle in the trenches.
