By Casz “C2” Clayton
Charlotte, NC— Day 2 of ACC Football Kickoff wasn’t just a coach’s show, it was a showcase of the leaders on each roster, the athletes stepping into the spotlight this fall. Whether it was a returning captain, a breakout candidate, or a new QB1, every team brought players who gave insight into the locker room and the goals ahead.
Here’s what stood out from each program on Day 2:
Syracuse – Fran Brown’s Standard, Led by QB Battle
Coach Fran Brown didn’t just talk team values — he’s letting his guys earn every rep. The Orange head into fall camp with a live QB battle between Steve Angeli and Rickie Collins Jr., and Brown made it clear that “no one’s safe” in terms of roles.
Tight end Dan Villari, punter Jack Stonehouse, and defensive leader Berry Buxton III all attended media day, and their energy matched their coaches. “We trust each other,” Brown said, echoing his DART mantra (Detailed, Accountable, Relentless, Tough). This is a culture play and the players seem bought in. Coach Fran Brown,
Florida State – Norvell Turns the Page, Castellanos Takes the Mic
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell brought his usual fire, laying out a plan to reclaim championship form after a frustrating finish in 2024. His theme? Urgency. “This team has said yes not just with their voice, but with their actions.” Said Norvell.
Among the Seminoles at media day was transfer QB Tommy Castellanos, who made waves with his presence. Norvell praised the team’s attitude, saying, “They’ve answered the call in the classroom, in workouts, and now it’s time to show it.”
Darrell Jackson Jr. and Earl Little Jr. represented the defensive side both expected to be Big Pillars this fall. With Alabama waiting in Week 1, the Noles know the stage is set.
Georgia Tech – Identity Set, Stars Returning
Head coach Brent Key delivered one of the most confident messages of the day, saying Georgia Tech has a clear identity and they’re not backing down from it. The Jackets bring back 87% of their passing production and 84% of their rushing yards.
Haynes King, who threw for over 2,800 yards in 2024, stood tall at the podium. Key said King’s production “puts him among the best in modern college football history,” and that leadership will be crucial.
Malik Rutherford, one of Tech’s most productive receivers since Calvin Johnson, joined standout LB Kyle Efford in Charlotte. This trio has the firepower to make Tech dangerous again.
Pitt – Narduzzi Doubles Down on Championship Mentality
Pat Narduzzi wasn’t shy: Pitt is aiming for the ACC title again — and he thinks this team has what it takes. “We didn’t lose anybody we wanted to keep,” he said. “We’ve enhanced our roster.”
Linebacker Kyle Louis, center Lyndon Cooper, and Appalachian State transfer RB Desmond Reid all represented the Panthers. Reid, in particular, could be a sneaky X-factor in Pitt’s run game. “We stay healthy,” Narduzzi said, “we can win it all. Period.”
Louisville – Brohm + Moss = Big Goals
With QB Miller Moss transferring in from USC, Louisville has a new face of the offense — and Brohm believes in his system. “He wants to go out with a bang,” Brohm said of Moss, calling him “a quarterback with a ton of experience.”
WR Chris Bell, linebacker T.J. Quinn, and hybrid defender Antonio Watts joined Moss at the podium, all repping a Cards program looking to sustain success. “We’ve gelled well,” Brohm said. “These guys are setting the tone.”
Wake Forest – Built in the Dark, Ready to Shine
New head coach Jake Dickert brought a new vibe to Winston-Salem, one built on discipline, details, and what he calls being “Built in the Dark.”
The four Deacons at media day; Demond Claiborne, Nick Andersen, Devin Kylany, and Davaughn Patterson are all central to this new era. Claiborne is a returning All-American and Doak Walker candidate, while Andersen continues to be the backbone of the defense.
“These players have embraced the challenge since day one,” Dickert said. “We want players who love doing hard things.”
Day 2 wasn’t about fluff. It was about real leadership, culture shifts, and players owning their moment. Whether it was Castellanos at Florida State, Claiborne at Wake, or Haynes King at Georgia Tech the student-athletes spoke volumes about where their teams are headed.
