CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia was picked to finish sixth in the ACC in the league’s annual preseason media poll, released Tuesday.

Miami was the overwhelming choice to win the conference, receiving 165 of 188 first-place votes. The Hurricanes were followed by SMU, Louisville, Clemson, Georgia Tech, and then UVA.

The Cavaliers’ season-opening opponent, North Carolina State, was picked to place seventh and UVA’s instate rival, Virginia Tech, was tapped to finish eighth, ahead of Pittsburgh, Duke, Florida State, California, Wake Forest, Syracuse, North Carolina, Boston College and Stanford.

The Cavaliers reached the ACC championship game last season, losing to Duke. They beat Missouri in the Gator Bowl to record a program-record 11 wins.

 

2026 ACC Football Predicted Order of Finish (Media Vote)

Rank Team – Points

  1. Miami (165) – 3159
  2. SMU (6) – 2794
  3. Louisville (4) – 2569
  4. Clemson (7) – 2520
  5. Georgia Tech (2) – 2006
  6. Virginia – 1981
  7. NC State – 1964
  8. Virginia Tech – 1962
  9. Pitt – 1740
  10. Duke – 1452
  11. Florida State (3) – 1439
  12. California – 1392
  13. Wake Forest – 1103
  14. Syracuse – 878
  15. North Carolina – 831
  16. Boston College – 491
  17. Stanford (1) – 483

 

First-place votes in parentheses

188 media voters