Our 2025 All-ACC Football Team uses PFSN’s suite of college football metrics to highlight the highest graded players from the conference following the end of a remarkable college football season.
Did your favorite player make the cut? Let’s find out!
PFSN All-ACC First Team Offense
- QB: Darian Mensah, Duke Blue Devils
- RB: Malachi Hosley, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- RB: Nate Sheppard, Duke Blue Devils
- WR: Malachi Toney, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- WR: Duce Robinson, Florida State Seminoles
- TE: Sam Roush, Stanford Cardinal
- OL: Jacarrius Peak, North Carolina State Wolfpack
- OL: TJ Ferguson, Syracuse Orange
- OL: Luke Petitbon, Florida State Seminoles
- OL: Spike Sowells Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack
- OL: Brian Parker II, Duke Blue Devils
The First Team offense is centered on the production of the ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils, who finished the regular season with an 8-4 record before defeating Virginia in the conference title game. Darian Mensah was the catalyst for the Blue Devils’ high-scoring attack, completing 67.9% of his passes for 3,646 yards and 30 touchdowns against only five interceptions.
Mensah was joined in the backfield by Duke RB Nate Sheppard, who provided a dynamic running threat. Georgia Tech RB Malachi Hosley was one of the most efficient rushers in the league, averaging an elite 7.3 yards per carry on 87 attempts for 634 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.
The receiving corps featured Miami WR Malachi Toney, who led all freshmen nationally in receptions (84) and receiving yards (970), while adding seven receiving touchdowns. The offensive line was anchored by NC State’s OL Jacarrius Peak and OL Spike Sowells Jr., both instrumental in the Wolfpack’s ground game success, and Duke OL Brian Parker II, who helped maintain the integrity of the pocket for Mensah’s high-volume passing game.
PFSN All-ACC First Team Defense
- EDGE: Clev Lubin, Louisville Cardinals
- EDGE: Cameron Robertson, SMU Mustangs
- DT: Aaron Hall, Duke Blue Devils
- DT: Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- LB: Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh Panthers
- LB: Caden Fordham, North Carolina State Wolfpack
- CB: Devon Marshall, North Carolina State Wolfpack
- CB: Hezekiah Masses, California Golden Bears
- CB: Brent Austin, California Golden Bears
- SAF: Tyren Polley, SMU Mustangs
- SAF: Antonio Watts, Louisville Cardinals
Louisville EDGE Clev Lubin was an impact transfer who recorded 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 12 games, proving to be one of the most effective pass rushers in the league. He was complemented by SMU EDGE Cameron Robertson, who was instrumental in the Mustangs’ season. Aaron Hall anchored the interior of the Duke defense, compiling 10 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks over 13 games.
The linebacker corps was led by NC State LB Caden Fordham, who was consistently among the league leaders in tackles. Pittsburgh LB Rasheem Biles was a versatile defender who posted solid numbers in both tackling and disruption.
In the secondary, NC State CB Devon Marshall stood out as a high-level cover corner, while California placed two players on the First Team: Hezekiah Masses and Brent Austin, a testament to the Golden Bears’ impressive defensive turnaround. Both Tyren Polley and Louisville’s Antonio Watts provided reliable back-end support.
PFSN All-ACC First Team Special Teams
- K: Aidan Birr, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- P: Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse Orange
- KR: Sahmir Hagans, Duke Blue Devils
- PR: Caullin Lacy, Louisville Cardinals
The First Team specialists unit showcased a reliable kicker and dynamic return men. Georgia Tech K Aidan Birr was the most accurate kicker in the league, connecting on a high percentage of his field goal attempts for the Yellow Jackets. Syracuse P Jack Stonehouse was instrumental in the Orange’s field position strategy, consistently pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
MORE: PFSN College Football Defensive Impact Metric
The return specialists were defined by their ability to flip the field. Duke KR Sahmir Hagans was a significant threat on kickoffs for the ACC Champions, possessing the speed to take any return the distance. Louisville PR Caullin Lacy showed elite decisiveness and vision as a punt returner, consistently providing the Cardinals with favorable starting field position.
PFSN All-ACC Second Team Offense
- QB: Haynes King, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- RB: Marcellous Hawkins, Virginia Tech Hokies
- RB: Adam Randall, Clemson Tigers
- WR: Cooper Barkate, Duke Blue Devils
- WR: Malik Rutherford, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- TE: Jeremiah Franklin, Boston College Eagles
- OL: Jude Bowry, Boston College Eagles
- OL: Samson Okunlola, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- OL: Chad Lindberg, North Carolina Tar Heels
- OL: Logan Taylor, Boston College Eagles
- OL: Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Georgia Tech QB Haynes King led the Yellow Jackets offense to a 9-3 record. His dual-threat capability accounted for a high percentage of Georgia Tech’s total offense, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. The running back duo was led by Virginia Tech RB Marcellous Hawkins and Clemson RB Adam Randall, both high-volume backs.
The receiving corps was defined by high-production targets, including Duke WR Cooper Barkate and Georgia Tech WR Malik Rutherford. Boston College TE Jeremiah Franklin was recognized as a consistent pass catcher at the tight end position. The offensive line showcased strong protection with Miami’s OL Samson Okunlola and OL Francis Mauigoa alongside Boston College duo Jude Bowry and Logan Taylor, who anchored the Eagles’ front.
PFSN All-ACC Second Team Defense
- EDGE: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- EDGE: Isaiah Smith, SMU Mustangs
- DT: Mandrell Desir, Florida State Seminoles
- DT: Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech Hokies
- LB: Sammy Brown, Clemson Tigers
- LB: TJ Quinn, Louisville Cardinals
- CB: Chandler Rivers, Duke Blue Devils
- CB: Tayon Holloway, Louisville Cardinals
- CB: Karon Prunty, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- SAF: Jay Green, Stanford Cardinal
- SAF: Isaiah Crosby, California Golden Bears
Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is a powerful edge rusher who continued to be one of the league’s most effective players at generating pressure. He was joined by SMU EDGE Isaiah Smith, who helped the Mustangs’ defense finish in the top half of the ACC in scoring defense. The interior line included Florida State DT Mandrell Desir and Virginia Tech DT Kemari Copeland.
The linebacker corps was anchored by Clemson LB Sammy Brown, a talented young player who was a significant force in the Tigers’ defensive scheme. Louisville LB TJ Quinn was a dependable tackler and run stopper for the Cardinals. In the secondary, Duke CB Chandler Rivers was a key component of the ACC champions’ defensive backfield, complemented on our All-ACC team by Louisville CB Tayon Holloway and Wake Forest CB Karon Prunty.
PFSN All-ACC Second Team Special Teams
- K: Luca Lombardo, Boston College Eagles
- P: Marshall Nicols, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- KR: Chris Barnes, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- PR: Carlos Hernandez, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Second Team special teams unit was led by Boston College K Luca Lombardo, who was a consistent source of points for the Eagles. Georgia Tech P Marshall Nicols was recognized for his strong punting average and ability to control field position for the Yellow Jackets.
MORE: PFSN College Football Offense Impact Metric
The return game featured Wake Forest KR Chris Barnes, who was a dependable and effective kickoff returner for the Demon Deacons. Wake Forest PR Carlos Hernandez was selected as the punt returner, having averaged 12.5 yards per return with a pivotal touchdown to take down Virginia.
PFSN All-ACC Third Team Offense
- QB: Tommy Castellanos, Florida State Seminoles
- RB: Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- RB: Hollywood Smothers, NC State Wolfpack
- WR: Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
- WR: Lewis Bond, Boston College Eagles
- TE: Jeremiah Hasley, Duke Blue Devils
- OL: McKale Boley, Virginia Cavaliers
- OL: Eryx Daugherty, Boston College Eagles
- OL: Brady Wilson, Virginia Cavaliers
- OL: Jacob Rizy, Florida State Seminoles
- OL: Da’Metrius Weatherspoon, Syracuse Orange
The Third Team offense recognized Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos, who threw for over 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns, showcasing efficiency despite the Seminoles’ final record. The running back unit was led by Miami RB Mark Fletcher Jr., a powerful runner in the Hurricanes’ offense, and NC State RB Hollywood Smothers.
The receiving corps included Louisville WR Chris Bell and Boston College WR Lewis Bond, both key players in their team’s passing attacks. The offensive line featured Virginia OL McKale Boley and OL Brady Wilson, who were instrumental in the Cavaliers’ league-best conference record. They were joined by Florida State OL Jacob Rizy and Boston College OL Eryx Daugherty, all of whom earned recognition for their solid season-long performance.
PFSN All-ACC Third Team Defense
- EDGE: Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- EDGE: Mitchell Melton, Virginia Cavaliers
- DT: Josiah Green, Duke Blue Devils
- DT: Rene Konga, Louisville Cardinals
- LB: Braylan Lovelace, Pittsburgh Panthers
- LB: Matt Rose, Stanford Cardinal
- CB: Ashton Hampton, Clemson Tigers
- CB: Ahmari Harvey, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- CB: Demetres Samuel Jr., Syracuse Orange
- SAF: Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU Mustangs
- SAF: Ricardo Jones, Clemson Tigers
The Third Team defense was characterized by experienced pass-rushers and high-tackling linebackers. Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Virginia’s Mitchell Melton were both productive on the edge, providing pressure in key defensive situations. Duke DT Josiah Green and Louisville DT Rene Konga provided solid interior defense for their respective teams.
The linebacker group was led by Pittsburgh LB Braylan Lovelace and Stanford LB Matt Rose, both reliable tacklers. The secondary included Clemson CB Ashton Hampton and Georgia Tech CB Ahmari Harvey, who provided strong coverage on the perimeter.
PFSN All-ACC Third Team Special Teams
- K: Trey Butkowski, Pittsburgh Panthers
- P: David Chapeau, Louisville Cardinals
- KR: Jacob De Jesus, California Golden Bears
- PR: Kenny Johnson, Pittsburgh Panthers
The Third Team specialists unit included Pittsburgh K Trey Butkowski, who provided a steady kicking performance for the 8−4 Panthers. Louisville P David Chapeau delivered solid punting numbers, contributing to the Cardinals’ field position success.
The return game featured California KR Jacob De Jesus, a consistent threat on kickoff returns for the Golden Bears. Pittsburgh PR Kenny Johnson was recognized as a solid and dependable punt returner for the Panthers, who tallied 1,040 all-purpose yards.
