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 | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Malachi Tony, Miami
You have to go all the way to 2019 to find an ACC Team with top QB, RB, and WR in the ACC. It was Clemson that year, and they ended up in the National Championship time which is a good sign for the Miami Hurricanes.
Malachi Toney had an incredible 2025 as he was on every freshman award list from the ACC to the national ones. This was after a season where he had a whopping 109 catches for 1211 yards. Looking for an All-American list for 2026? Toney is on it. The Cane’s offense will be spectacular this year.
2) Duce Robinson, Florida State
We told you way before many caught on, that Duce Robinson was going to be a star. This is what we said last year, before Robinson played his first game at Florida State when we did our Top 5 Wide Receiver Rankings for 2025.
“In 2 seasons at USC he averaged over 19 yards per catch on 39 catches over two seasons. If you’re looking for a receiver that’s flying under the radar, but could have a breakout season, Duce Robinson is my choice.”
I’d say 56 receptions for nearly 1100 yards was a breakout season. He’s headed towards being a mid to late 1st round or 2nd round pick.
3) Cooper Barkate, Miami
Cooper Barkate is coming off 2nd team All-ACC season at Duke. He joins his former Duke teammate Darian Mensah at Miami and now helps form one of the top WR units in the country. It’s definitely the best in the ACC.
Barkate had 72 receptions for 1,106 yards and 7 TDs. He’s been a highly productive WR at Duke with over 2800 yards receiving in his career. He’s a projected 3rd – 5th round pick. It’s just not fair what the Hurricanes are bringing this year.
4) Jordan Shipp, North Carolina
In an otherwise forgettable year at UNC, Jordan Shipp was a highlight in an Honorable Mention All-ACC season. The 6’2 receiver had 60 receptions for 671 yards, and was typically the only true offensive option for a UNC team that struggled to get consistent quarterback back play over the course of the season.
If the Heels get better at quarterback, Shipp could have a monster season.
5) Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson
The offense talent drain at Clemson is evidenced by Clemson not having a single top 5 offensive player at quarterback or running back. WR Bryant Wesco Jr. breaks through for Clemson at wide receiver. Wesco had an honorable mention All-ACC season that saw him have 31 catches for 537 yards for over 17 yards a catch.
That was just through early October before an injury took Wesco out for the rest of the season. Carried to a full season that’s a 60+ catch for over 1000 yards. Wesco has shown flashes of his great potential, but a full healthy season will have him at or near the top of the ACC receiving categorys.
Make sure you follow the All Sports Discussion Twitter account at @AllSportsDACC and please like our Facebook Page
Leave a Reply