Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2026 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Sammy Brown, Clemson
Now this is what we’re used to seeing: Clemson with a top player in the ACC at a particular position. Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown is the ACC’s top linebacker and one of the best linebackers in the country. Last year, he had a season that saw him on multiple All-ACC teams. Brown had 107 tackles with 13.5 tackles for loss, and he’s been selected to multiple pre-season All-American teams. He’s a former 5-star recruit who could go in the 1st round, and some think he could be a future NFL Pro Bowl Player.
2) Matt Rose, Stanford
Stanford didn’t have a tremendous amount of talent last year, but linebacker Matt Rose was a shining star on the defense. He had over 100 tackles in an All-ACC caliber season. He is known as a relentless player on defense and a day 3 draftable NFL prospect who’s looking to move up. The Cardinals have a good one.
3) Kam Robinson,Virginia
Virginia’s resurgent season was certainly helped by having one of the best linebackers in the ACC in Kam Robinson. In 2025, he was a 3 time ACC linebacker of the week and Butkus Award Semi-Finalist. Even with a season-ending injury after 8 games, he still made 3rd team All-ACC. If he recovers fully from his ACL injury, he’s a day 2 NFL possibility, with first team All-ACC potential.
4) Braylen Lovelace, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has produced some quality linebackers in recent years, and Braylen Lovelace is another one. Lovelace had a All-ACC Honorable mention season in 2025 with over 80 tackles. He now becomes the anchor of the Pitt linebacking crew and looks to follow a slew of recent Pitt defenders to the NFL.
5) Mohamed Toure, Miami
Miami’s Mohamed Toure won’t lack for experience as he returns for his 8th season of eligibility. Toure was Miami’s leading tackler last year with 84, and played some of his football season during Miami’s playoff run to the national title game. He’s been good for a long time. He was an All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2025 and All-Big in 2023 when he was at Rutgers.
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