Charlotte, NC— Day one of the 2025 ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte set the tone early. The ACC is moving differently this year. It’s bigger, bolder, and filled with teams and players who are ready to prove something. From conference expansion to deep roster rebuilds, the message is clear that This isnt the same old ACC.
Let’s get into it. First to the Podium, (10-3) University of Miami
Miami is Ready to Lead, Not Follow
The Hurricanes walked into Charlotte with a QB1 who knows pressure. Georgia transfer Carson Beck didn’t come to Miami to be average. “ There is no pressure, no more than what I have already been through.” Beck stated. He’s stepping into a leadership role with real poise and a chip on his shoulder. Francis Mauigoa, the young bull on the O-line, spoke about brotherhood and discipline. He made it clear that physicality and chemistry are going to be key this season. Defensive anchor Akheem Mesidor is finally back healthy and says this group has the “it” factor. “Im just blessed to have the opportunity to continue to play the game that I love.” – Mesidor told me. Defensively Coach Cristobal speaks highly of the new Defensive coordinator and the variables with new transfers. Add Wesley Bissainthe to the mix and you’ve got a core of Canes that feel like they’re hunting something.
The energy from Miami wasn’t cocky. It was controlled. Intentional. You could tell this team is tired of being in the conversation and not the conclusion.
SMU Not Just Happy to Be Here
Head Coach Rhett Lashlee brought a quiet storm with him. He knows what SMU is stepping into and he’s not backing down. After back-to-back 11 win seasons, Lashlee made it clear this program isn’t a novelty. It’s a threat.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings spoke with composure beyond his years and O-lineman Logan Parr explained how SMU gave him the second chance he needed to flourish. The Mustangs aren’t here for press clippings. They want action. I spoke with Kevin Jennings on his season schedule and had teams like Miami come to their home. “ I’m looking to play Miami, we have to run it back with Clemson for sure.” He talks about that loss to Clemson. “ I needed a bad game like that to bounce back and come back in and remind myself that I can play at this level, I can do all the things I’m capable of doing.”he stated. After losing to Clemson
Stanford and Cal Bring the Brains to Football
West Coast voices added a new texture to the room. Stanford’s Sam Roush, Tevarua Tafiti, and Simione Pale talked about the travel grind ahead, but there’s a sense of excitement about showing up in new territories.
Cal Coach Josh Wilcox is adjusting
Cal’s presence was similar calm, composed, but not to be overlooked. Both programs know they’re under the microscope with this move to the ACC. That’s fine. They came prepared to earn respect, not demand it. Transfer QB Devin Booker is excited to finish his career at a school that held Quarterbacks like Aaron Rogers and Jared Goff. Brown made the transfer from Ohio State
Virginia Rebuilding with Purpose
Head Coach Tony Elliott delivered a steady and intentional message. Virginia is one of only six Power Four programs returning its entire coaching staff. That kind of continuity isn’t just rare, it’s valuable. They’ve added 54 new faces between the transfer portal and high school ranks, and Elliott made sure to mention they did it with respect to the guys already in the building. No backdoor recruiting. Just steady growth.
Defensive lineman Jahmeer Carter is embracing a leadership role. You could hear the maturity in his voice. He’s focused on being a complete player and setting the tone up front. “Yeah, this off-season has been awesome. We have so much talent from the guys that we’re returning and the guys we have brought in. Every day we know it’s a competition, so that’s helping us get better.”- Jameer stated.
Day one wasn’t just talk. It was calculated. Programs like Miami and SMU came in sounding like they’ve already seen what success feels like and they want more. Stanford and Cal brought a level of thoughtfulness that could catch teams slipping if they underestimate them. And Virginia? They’re laying bricks for something lasting.
The ACC may have changed logos and zip codes, but the heart of this conference still beats with competition. Stay tapped in for Day 2 There’s more coming.
