ACC Football's Greatest Players of the Past 25 Years (2000–2025)

With four national champions and countless All-Americans across the last quarter-century, the Atlantic Coast Conference has played a big role in college football. Some of the sport's biggest names have suited up in the ACC as the league's membership has evolved.

With Heisman Trophy winners such as Lamar Jackson of Louisville and Fred Biletnikoff recipients such as Calvin Johnson, there's no shortage of NCAA and NFL superstars on the ACC's All-Quarter-Century' team, compiled by RotoWire.com ahead of the 2025 season. Stay with us for more college football betting insight.

All-ACC Offense Since 2000

This list was prepared exclusively for RotoWire.com and inclusion is only for years when a player's school was a member of the ACC. For instance, Aaron Donald played four years at Pittsburgh, but the Panthers didn't join the ACC until 2013 so that's the year that counts for this list (he still made it, though). Check out college football odds at RotoWire.com all season.

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson, Louisville (2015-2017)

Few quarterbacks in modern college football history sprung to stardom quite as quickly as Jackson, who went from an afterthought as a freshman to a Heisman Trophy winner during his sophomore season at Louisville.

Jackson raised his passing yardage from 1,840 in 2015 to 3,543 in 2016, more than doubled his touchdown count (from 12 to 30) and boosted his rushing yardage from 960 (on 163 attempts with 11 scores) as a freshman to 1,571 (on 260 carries with 21 TDs) in that memorable 2016 campaign.

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Interestingly, Jackson's stats improved as a junior in 2017 – he had a career-high 3,660 yards passing and 1,601 rushing – but the future Baltimore Ravens MVP-winning QB was third in that year's Heisman race.

Still, Jackson's exploits with the Cardinals in three years more than warranted a spot on the ACC's All-Quarter-Century team, as he inspired a generation of NCAA quarterbacks and transformed the college game. He aces out two FSU quarterbacks who also won the Heisman, Jameis Winston (2013) and Chris Weinke (2000) for the starting QB spot on this list. Check out Heisman Trophy odds with us too.

Running Back

Travis Etienne, Clemson (2017-2020)

Few players came to represent the glory days of the Clemson Tigers' era from 2015 to 2019 quite like Etienne, who paced Dabo Swinney's offense during the 2018 College Football Playoff title run. Etienne ran for a career-best 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns that season on 204 attempts, averaging 110.5 yards per game and finishing seventh in that year's Heisman race. Etienne's college days ended with a Sugar Bowl defeat at the hands of Ohio State in 2020, but there's no denying that the future Jacksonville Jaguar was a top-notch back in college. He had 4,952 yards and 70 scores across four seasons with the Tigers, winning the ACC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2018 and 2019, plus overall Player of the Year in both seasons.

Dalvin Cook, Florida State (2014-2016)

Before Etienne, the most feared back in the ACC was a 5-foot-11 bruiser named Dalvin Cook. The Seminoles star was picked 41st overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2017, after racking up 4,464 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns in three seasons in Tallahassee (plus 79 catches for 935 yards and two scores). The All-American of Miami Central High School was a first-team All-American in 2015 and a unanimous All-American in 2016. He earned the Jim Brown Trophy in 2015 and made three All-ACC appearances from 2014 through 2016.

Even in this pass-happy era, running backs are still worth watching for sports betting customers.

Wide Receiver

Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (2004-2006)

Few wideouts defined the modern era of football at the college or professional level the way that Calvin Johnson did. Johnson recorded 178 catches for 2,927 yards and 28 touchdowns in Paul Johnson's run-first, triple-option offense from 2004 to 2006, before a record-setting career with the Detroit Lions. Johnson's three-year run with the Yellow Jackets earned him a 10th place finish in the Heisman race and All-American honors in 2006. He was named the ACC's Offensive POY and overall POY that year. Georgia Tech attempted 369 passes (and completed 174) all season in 2006, so the fact that Johnson had 44% of GT's total catches speaks to the talent level that the supernova from Tyrone, Georgia showed.

Sammy Watkins, Clemson (2011-2013)

The other two ACC All-Quarter-Century team members at wide receiver played at Clemson: Tigers teammates Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. Watkins had 139 catches for 1,927 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011 and 2012, though he saved his best statistical season for the year after Hopkins' departure to the NFL. In 2013, Watkins hauled in 101 catches in 13 games for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning his second first-team All-American honor (joining his 2011 recognition), to go with his second first team All-ACC mention.

DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson (2010-2012)

Watkins' longtime teammate at Clemson, Hopkins served as the shining example for what the Tigers could achieve. Hopkins had 206 catches, 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns across 39 games from 2010 to 2012 at Clemson. As a junior in 2012, he had 82 catches for 1,405 yards and 18 TDs for his only 1,000-yard campaign as a Tiger. During his three-year run at Clemson, Hopkins was a first-team All-ACC member and a second-team All-American in 2012, before an NFL career of 12 years and counting since going 27th overall to the Houston Texans in 2013.

Sportsbook apps have installed Clemson as the favorite to win the ACC this season, with odds varying from -110 to +110 depending on the operator.

Tight End

Heath Miller, Virginia (2002-2004)

Few tight ends redefined the position at the college level like Miller did in Charlottesville, as the future Pittsburgh Steelers star had 144 catches for 1,703 yards in 39 games with the Cavaliers. The All-American tight end had 20 TD catches as a one-man wrecking crew for UVA, setting the stage for what was to come in the Steel City. The groundwork toward that run in the NFL was set inside Scott Stadium from 2002 to 2004, under the tutelage of head coach Al Groh.

Offensive Tackle

D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia (2002-2005)

The second former UVA star to make our list of top ACC players since 2000, Ferguson came to Charlottesville from Freeport, New York, becoming a two-time All-ACC first-team member and a first-team All-American. For his efforts in the trenches, Ferguson's No. 66 was retired by the Cavaliers, and he went on to join the New York Jets' Ring of Honor for his feats in the NFL.

Offensive Guard

Rodney Hudson, Florida State (2007-2010)

Before his 14-year NFL career, Rodney Hudson was a fearsome guard on the FSU Seminoles' offensive line, earning four All-ACC mentions, with three first-team reps from 2008 to 2010 along with a second-team spot in 2007. Throw in two All-American mentions, with a unanimous pick in 2010 on the heels of a first-team All-American rep in 2009, and you have a pretty good synopsis of the career that the 6-2, 315-pound guard put together for the Seminoles from 2007 to 2010.

Center

Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State (2014-2018)

The lone Wolfpack offensive player to make our team was the 2018 Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's top center capping a career in which he paced N.C. State's offense from 2014 to 2018. Bradbury also earned a consensus All-American mention and a spot on the All-ACC first team before an NFL career; he is now with the New England Patriots.

Offensive Guard

Zion Johnson, Boston College (2020-2021)

Former Boston College star offensive guard Zion Johnson did it all for the ACC member from 2020 to 2021, earning All-America and All-ACC first-team mentions in 2021, after being on the league's second team in 2019 and third team in 2020. Today, Johnson is a guard for the Los Angeles Chargers, having started in 49 games after going in the first round to the AFC West stalwarts in the 2022 NFL Draft at No. 17 overall.

Offensive Tackle

Alex Barron, Florida State (2001-2004)

The final offensive member of our ACC all-2000s team was a two-time All-American during his four-year run at FSU. Alex Barron made that team as a consensus pick in 2003 and a unanimous selection in 2004. Throw in two first-team All-ACC mentions in 2003 and 2004 and you have a decent idea why Barron made the cut out of the ACC. The South Carolina went on to play 87 NFL games from 2005 to 2013.

All-ACC Defense Since 2000

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Defensive End

Julius Peppers, North Carolina (2000-2001)

The Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end made his name in Chapel Hill. Julius Peppers finished his three-year stint at UNC with five interceptions (two returned for TDs), 177 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 53 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His brightest accolades came during his 266-game NFL career, where he was a nine-time Pro Bowler with three All-Pro team appearances, but his days as a Tar Heel were also spectacular. Peppers Chuck Bednarik and Rotary Lombardi awards in Chapel Hill and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta in 2024.

Defensive Tackle

Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh (2013)

Donald wreaked havoc on NFL quarterbacks as a member of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, but his four-year run with Pitt warranted acclaim on its own. Donald had 181 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 67 tackles for loss and 10 pass deflections in four seasons with the Panthers, who played in the Big East until joining the ACC in 2013. Donald's lone ACC season saw him make 29 TFL and 59 tackles, plus his four forced fumbles played a large role in him winning the Nagurski and Bednarik trophies, along with a unanimous All-American team mention that season. That one ACC season was enough to earn a spot on our list.

Christian Wilkins, Clemson (2015-2018)

Offensive stars such as Etienne, Watkins and Hopkins get a lot of the shine surrounding Clemson's initial glory days under Swinney. But defensive stalwarts were huge cogs in the Tigers' gridiron machine, including Wilkins. The 6-4, 310-pound defensive lineman ate NCAA O-linemen for breakfast, with 191 tackles, 42 tackles for loss and 16 sacks across 58 games with the Tigers, earning him a unanimous All-American spot in 2018 and first-team All-American mentions in 2016 and 2017. Wilkins won the 2017 Bill Willis and 2018 William V. Campbell trophies and was a key cog in the Tigers' 2016 and 2018 CFP championship teams.

Defensive End

Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State (2014-2017)

The other defensive end to make the cut was a 6-4 goliath that struck fear in the hearts of college quarterbacks as a member of the Wolfpack. Bradley Chubb earned the 2017 Nagurski Trophy and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being a unanimous All-American. In total, Chubb had 204 tackles, 60 tackles for loss, 26 sacks and nine forced fumbles in four seasons with the Wolfpack, playing 49 games in Raleigh and cementing his status as one of the best defensive linemen to ever play at the college level.

Linebacker

Luke Kuechly, Boston College (2009-2011)

The first of three ACC linebackers on the conference's All-Quarter-Century team was a player made three first-team All-ACC appearances with the Eagles from 2009 through 2011. Luke Kuechly redefining the position in Boston and might have been the best player the school has had since joining the ACC in 2005. Before an award-filled NFL career (including Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year), Kuechly earned two All-American team mentions – he was a unanimous pick in 2010 and a consensus one in 2011. He took home the Nagurski, Lombardi, Lott, Butkus and Jack Lambert trophies in 2011 alone. In three years with the Eagles, Kuechly had 532 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, seven interceptions (two for TDs), and two forced fumbles.

Payton Wilson, North Carolina State (2019-2023)

While lacking the superstar credentials of Kuechly, Payton Wilson was still a standout during his five-year run with the Wolfpack from 2019 to 2023. He earned Bednarik and Butkus awards in 2023, to go with unanimous All-American and first-team All-ACC honors. During his 46-game run in Raleigh, Wilson had 402 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, seven interceptions (one for a TD) and served as one of the finest linebackers in ACC history along the way.

Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (2016-2019)

The third and final ACC linebacker to make the cut starred alongside Wilkins at Clemson. Isaiah Simmons was the conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, a unanimous All-American and the Butkus Award winner. During his 45-game run with the Tigers, Simmons had 239 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and four interceptions, with a pick six and five forced fumbles. He was the defensive backbone on some of Clemson's finest football teams including two national titles.

Cornerback

Jalen Ramsey, Florida State (2013-2015)

The first of two cornerbacks on our list smashed and dashed his way into CFB lore as a member of the final BCS-era championship team at Florida State. Jalen Ramsey had 49 tackles and an interception during the Seminoles' championship run in 2013. From there, Ramsey's college career only grew in stature, with 131 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and two interceptions in 2014 and 2015, as he earned a second-team All-American nod in 2014 and a consensus spot in 2015. In the NFL, Ramsey has made seven Pro Bowl teams and is a three-time All-Pro pick. But his three-year run in Tallahassee earns a spot on our ACC team.

Safety

Jeremy Cash, Duke (2013-2015)

Cash began his NCAA career at Ohio State in 2011, but the bulk of his playing days came in Durham with the Blue Devils. Under head coach David Cutcliffe, Cash had 333 tackles (39 for loss), eight sacks and six interceptions in 39 games. He earned first-team All-ACC nods in 2013 and 2015 to go with a second-team All-ACC spot in 2014. In 2015 Cash was a consensus All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. His efforts in Durham were the stuff of legend, earning him a spot on this list.

Antrel Rolle, Miami (2004)

The future Super Bowl champion safety cut his teeth in Coral Gables, making two All-American teams (as a third-team pick in 2003 and a unanimous choice in 2004). Rolle won the Jack Tatum Trophy in 2004, Miami's first season in the ACC, and was on UM's most recent national championship squad in 2001. His production earned a spot on the school's Sports Hall of Fame and Rolle went on to an 11-year NFL career from 2005 through 2015.

Cornerback

Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech (2013-2015)

Kyle Fuller was a four-year stud in Blacksburg, with six interceptions, with 4.5 sacks, 173 tackles and 24 tackles for loss in 46 games with the Hokies from 2010 to 2013. Fuller was a second-team All-ACC and All-American team member in 2011 and 2013, respectively, while making the All-ACC third team in 2013. He has gone on to make two Pro Bowl appearances in the NFL and has played 113 pro games, but his efforts at Virginia Tech were more than enough to warrant a spot on our list of best ACC players since 2000.

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All-ACC Special Teams Since 2000

Kicker

Roberto Aguayo, Florida State (2013-2015)

Roberto Aguayo's days at FSU were the stuff of legend, as the kicker made all 198 of his extra point tries and 88.5% of his field goal attempts (69 of 78) in his college career. Aguayo was first-team All-American and All-ACC in 2013 and 2015, plus he took home the Lou Groza Award in 2013 and the Vlade Award in 2013 and 2014. He washed out as a pro after being picked 59th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft, but Aguayo's three-year run at FSU warranted a spot on our ACC "All-Quarter-Century" team as part of the school's BCS championship team in 2013.

Punter

Ryan Plackemeier, Wake Forest (2002-2005)

As a four-year starter, Ryan Plackemeier averaged 45.3 yards per attempt in 47 games with the Demon Deacons from 2002 to 2005. He also was a placekicker for Wake Forest, hitting 31-for-31 on PATs and 9-for-18 on field goals. He was a unanimous All-American in 2005 and a three-time first-team All-ACC player.

Returner

C.J. Spiller, Clemson (2006-2009)

Spiller's backfield exploits were the stuff of legend for the Tigers, but the All-American might have saved his best work for special teams. Spiller, the ACC's Offensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 2009, had seven kickoff return touchdowns in four seasons, plus a TD on a punt return. His five return touchdowns as a senior in 2009 helped earn him that All-American honor and he placed sixth in Heisman voting that season.

At bet365 Sportsbook as of July 30, Clemson has +1200 odds to win the CFP National Championship in January 2026.

All-ACC Head Coach Since 2000

Dabo Swinney, Clemson (2008-Present)

The man who rebooted Clemson football earns the nod as the league's top coach in this quarter century. When Dabo Swinney took over the Tigers partway into the 2008 season, after Tommy Bowden's resignation, Clemson hadn't won more than nine games in a single season since 1990. Swinney achieved that in his third full season 2011, then elevated the program to four CFP title game appearances, winning it all in 2016 and 2018 (the Tigers lost the CFP championship game in 2015 and 2019).

The three-time Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year and two-time ACC Coach of the Year winner is 180-47 at Clemson, including a 12-9 mark in postseason contests. And he has coached 82 players that were taken in the NFL Draft from 2010 through 2025, including first-round picks such as Spiller, Hopkins, Watkins, Stephone Anthony, Vic Beasley, Shaq Lawson, Deshaun Watson, Mike Williams, Dexter Lawrence, Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, A.J. Terrell, Simmons, Etienne, Trevor Lawrence, Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy and Nate Wiggins.

His .793 career winning percentage ranks 19th all-time in college football, speaking to the impact he had on the Tigers program.

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