ACC predicted order of finish 2024-25: Virginia, NC State overrated; Louisville underrated in preseason poll

The ACC released its preseason predicted order of finish on Tuesday ahead of the 2024-25 college basketball season. Duke was picked to win in the annual preseason poll, and North Carolina star guard RJ Davis was given conference preseason Player of the Year honors after spurning the 2024 NBA Draft to return to school.

Much of the buzz surrounding the Blue Devils orbits around the arrival of former five-star forward Cooper Flagg — the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But it’s not just Flagg who makes this group the favorite on sports betting apps to win the ACC. Tyrese Proctor bypassed the NBA Draft for the second consecutive season and his return will give coach Jon Scheyer a steady presence on both ends of the floor. Caleb Foster is a potential breakout candidate after coming off the bench last season as a freshman. 

North Carolina was picked to finish second, followed by Wake Forest, Clemson and Virginia. The Tar Heels are coming off a loss to Alabama in the Sweet 16, while the Tigers reached the Elite Eight for the second time in program history.

Here is the full poll, followed by overrated and underrated observations from the predicted order of finish.

ACC preseason predicted order of finish

Overrated: Virginia

Predicted finish: 5th 

Tony Bennett is one of the best coaches in college basketball, but the Cavs’ offense was dreadful to watch last season. They averaged 62.9 points per game — good enough for No. 345 among all Division l teams. In Virginia’s final game of the 2023-24 season — a loss to Colorado State in the First Four — the team scored 42 points, which included a 14-point first half.

The reason for the lack of offense comes down to play style. Virginia does plan to change its offense to a more up-tempo style of play this season, but it will take some time. Virginia finished third in the ACC last year behind North Carolina and Duke, and there are doubts they can live up to its preseason billing. Betting odds to win conference +1800

Underrated: Louisville

Predicted finish: 9th 

After two lackluster seasons under Kenny Payne, Louisville hired Pat Kelsey to bring some life into a once proud program. Kelsey turned to the transfer portal in an attempt to overhaul the roster quickly.

The most impactful newcomer for Kelsey and company will be JMU guard Terrence Edwards Jr., who averaged 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. The Cardinals have been bottom feeders in the ACC the last two seasons, and now they’re in a position to be a dark horse NCAA Tournament contender. Betting odds to win conference +1500

Overrated: NC State 

Predicted finish: 8th

NC State’s run to the Final Four this past spring was magical. The Wolfpack finished 10th in the ACC and ran the table in the conference tournament to get an at-large bid to the Big Dance. But repeating that success this season won’t be easy.

NC State will have to replace the scoring of star guard DJ Horne and big man DJ Burns, both of which played a crucial role in the program reaching the final weekend of the college basketball season. NC State will rely on newcomers Dontrez Styles, Marcus Hill, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Mike James to fill that void. It wouldn’t be surprising to see some of the teams projected below NC State in the standings finish ahead of them by the end of the season. Betting odds to win conference +2000

Underrated: Cal

Predicted finish: 16

Cal is entering its first season as a member of the ACC. No longer will the Bears travel along the West Coast to play conference games like they did when they were a member of the Pac-12. Instead, the program — similar to conference newcomers Stanford and SMU — will have to trek cross country for conference games.

Even with the scheduling factor at play, it’s hard to imagine Cal would finish 16th in the ACC. Second-year coach Mark Madsen is building something special in Berkeley and Stanford transfer Andrej Stojaković could be the next breakout star. Betting odds to win conference +1000

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Preseason All-ACC First Team

Second Team

Underrated: Ian Schieffelin, F, Clemson

With former Clemson big man PJ Hall off to the NBA, Schieffelin will see his role grow drastically both on the court and as a leader. Schieffelin nearly averaged a double-double (10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds) and shot a career-high 46.9% from beyond the arc on 1.4 attempts. His stats should improve with the increased role, making him a strong candidate for All-ACC honors by the end of the season.

Overrated: Nijel Pack, G, Miami

It’s hard to single out anyone on this five-player list, especially since Pack and Schieffelin play different positions. However, the Miami star may not be the best guard on his own team by the end of the season. That’s because five-star prospect Jalil Bethea, the No. 7 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class according 247Sports, is entering the program. Bethea will play a key role as Miami’s starting SG this season, and the projected lottery pick could end up being the program’s representative on the all-conference team if everything goes well.