Week five ACC power rankings: Virginia’s road to Charlotte evolves

The 2026 regular season is officially 25% complete. At this point, clear tiers have emerged in the ACC, although great fluctuations continue as upsets occur and shocking defeats emerge.

Here are the ACC power rankings entering week five.

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Tier 5: The basement

17: Georgia Tech (Prev. 11)

The Yellow Jackets entered the 2026 season with great potential, coming off of a strong 2025 campaign. None of that potential has come to fruition thus far. Georgia Tech has lost to two of the worst teams in the Power Four (Colorado and Stanford). At this point, the Yellow Jackets are one of the worst teams themselves.

16: Boston College (Prev. 17)

The Eagles were just a few plays away from upsetting Virginia Tech this weekend – which says a lot about both teams. For Boston College, it might have some upset potential in a volatile ACC this year.

15: Syracuse

No game, no change – next game is Saturday at UConn.

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14: NC State (Prev. 13)

So far this season, the Wolfpack clearly have the worst defense in the ACC. NC State has allowed 30-plus points in three of its first four games. The Wolfpack have been crushed by Virginia, fumbled the game away at Vanderbilt and have their 2026 on life support.

13: Stanford (Prev. T-17)

Desperately in need of a Power Four win, the Cardinal earned one Saturday against Georgia Tech. Quarterback Davis Warren was excellent – throwing for 396 yards and three touchdowns. Perhaps Stanford can win a few games in the ACC.

Tier 4: Many questions to be answered

12: Florida State(Prev. 14)

Once again, the Seminoles lost the turnover battle. Quarterback Ashton Daniels looked average. Florida State’s season will be temporarily defined by what it does this weekend against Virginia.

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11: California (Prev. 9)

The Golden Bears fell to 2-2. In its losses to Clemson and UCLA, Cal has looked incredibly mediocre. This appears to be a team that feasts on inferior opponents only to buckle against respectable competition. Star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele…

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Publish date : 2026-09-28 12:00:00

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