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 | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Mckale Boley, Virginia
Anybody who watched Virginia last year could see immediately that the Hoos were one of the most physical teams in the ACC. McKale Boley was an integral part of Virginia’s physical play. Boley was a Phil Steele 2nd Team All-ACC player and 3rd Team All-ACC player in 2025. Head coach Tony Elliot wanted to build Virginia around the line of scrimmage, and quietly the Cavs are returning one of the best offensive lines in the ACC. He’s projected to go in the 3rd or 4th round in next year’s NFL draft, and another big season could move him up to a day 2 pick.
2) Lance Robinson, Louisville
Lance Robinson of Louisville was the 2nd highest returning All-ACC vote-getting Offensive Lineman in the ACC. The 6-4 295 LB will be the anchor of the Louisville offensive line. Robinson has been good for a long time. Prior to his time at Louisville, he was an All-AAC selection at Houston way back in 2022. He’s shown his versatility by playing both guard positions, and now is moving to center his final season of eligibility.
3) Ryan Baer, Pitt
Ryan Baer is another returning All-ACC honorable mention offensive lineman. The massive 6-7 325 lb started 13 games for Pitt last year at right tackle. He has a wealth of experience, having started 35 games for Pittsburgh. He’s one of the most draftable of all the ACC linemen. I’ve seen him in mock drafts as high as the 3rd round.
4) Ethan Mackenny, Georgia Tech
Brent Key and Georgia Tech just had a first-round pick in offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. They got another really good one waiting in the wings in Ethan Mackenny. Mackenny was a freshman All-American in 2023 and is coming off an honorable mention All-ACC season.
He’s been a fixture on pre-season All-ACC teams going into the 2026, as Georgia Tech is beginning to be known for producing quality offensive linemen.
5) Joshua Bates, SMU
SMU has one of the best returning QBs in the ACC in Kevin Jennings, and they have one of the best returning offensive linemen in center Joshua Bates. Bates had an honorable mention All-ACC 2025, and is looking for All-ACC season in 2026. Last season, he was good enough to be on the mid-season Rimington Award list, and he’ll probably find himself there again this year.
He was a former 4 star recuit for Oklahoma who transferred to SMU last year, and the Mustangs are sure glad he did.
Make sure you follow the All Sports Discussion Twitter account at @AllSportsDACC and please like our Facebook Page
Leave a Reply