Forecasting which teams will rise to greatness in college football in any given season can prove challenging. However, a key indicator often lies in the roster’s returning players.
From seasoned fifth-year senior linebackers to up-and-coming junior quarterbacks, the presence of experienced athletes opting to continue with their respective programs can significantly bolster a team’s competitive advantage. This continuity becomes particularly crucial as other teams contend with talent depletion due to NFL draft selections, transfers, or eligibility regulations.
ESPN recently released a list of all 134 FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams, with each ACC team naturally being listed. Here is a look at each ACC team’s returning production on offense, defense, and total.
Updated 2/24
17
North Carolina Tar Heels
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 37% (122)
Defense: 36% (122)
Total: 37% (127)
16
Duke Blue Devils
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 53% (93)
Defense: 57% (73)
Total: 55% (88)
15
Florida State Seminoles
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 56% (81)
Defense: 60% (62)
Total: 58% (83)
14
NC State Wolfpack
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 65% (52)
Defense: 53% (88)
Total: 59% (80)
13
SMU Mustangs
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 64% (55)
Defense: 60% (64)
Total: 62% (66)
12
Clemson Tigers
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 79% (20)
Defense: 49% (103)
Total: 64% (54)
11
Pittsburgh Panthers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: 65% (50)
Defense: 62% (56)
Total: 64% (53)