College Baseball: 2026 ACC Conference Preview

Team	Conference	Winning %	Overall	Winning %
Georgia Tech	19-11	0.633	41-19	0.683
Florida State	27-10	0.630	42-16	0.724
North Carolina	18-11	0.621	46-15	0.754
NC State	17-11	0.607	35-21	0.625
Clemson	18-12	0.600	45-18	0.714
Virginia	16-11	0.593	32-18	0.640
Duke	17-13	0.567	41-21	0.661
Wake Forest	16-14	0.533	39-22	0.639
Miami	15-14	0.517	35-27	0.565
Louisville	15-15	0.500	42-24	0.636
Notre Dame	14-16	0.447	32-21	0.604
Virginia Tech	12-18	0.400	31-25	0.554
Stanford	11-19	0.367	27-25	0.519
Boston College	11-19	0.367	28-29	0.491
Pittsburgh	10-20	0.333	28-27	0.509
California	9-21	0.300	24-31	0.436

Preseason Award Winners

• Player of the Year: OF Drew Burress – Georgia Tech
• Pitcher of the Year: RHP Aidan Knaak – Clemson
• Freshman of the Year: OF/RHP Brock Ketelsen – Stanford
• Transfer of the Year: OF AJ Gracia – Virginia

Preseason All-Conference Team

Position	Name	School	2025 Notable Stats
SP	Aidan Knaak	Clemson	9-1, 4.18 ERA, 90.1 IP, 110 SO
SP	Jason DeCaro	North Carolina	9-3, 3.78 ERA, 83.1 IP, 70 SO
SP	Ryan Marohn	NC State	8-3, 3.38 ERA, 85.1 IP, 91 SO
RP	Mason Patel	Georgia Tech	11-2, 3.34 ERA, 70.0 IP, 64 SO, 5 SV
C	Vahn Lackey	Georgia Tech	.347/.421/.500, 14 2B, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 19 SB
1B	Myles Bailey	Florida State	.327/.441/.663, 11 2B, 19 HR, 56 RBI
2B	Jarren Advincula	Georgia Tech	.342/.410/.506. 17 2B, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 13 SB (Cal)
3B	Daniel Cuvet	Miami	.372/.450/.708, 20 2B, 18 HR, 84 RBI
SS	Eric Becker	Virginia	.368/.453/.637, 21 2B, 9 HR, 52 RBI
OF	Drew Burress	Georgia Tech	.333/.469/.693, 23 2B, 19 HR, 62 RBI, 9 SB
OF	Lucas Moore	Louisville	.341/.430/.456, 10 2B, 5 HR, 49 RBI, 53 SB
OF	AJ Gracia	Virginia	.293/.449/.558, 10 2B, 15 HR, 54 RBI (Duke)
DH	Gavin Gallaher	North Carolina	.326/.409/.606, 13 2B 27 HR, 68 RBI
UTL	Kade Lewis	Wake Forest	.376/.482/.602, 18 2B, 11 HR, 59 RBI

Projected Conference Champion

Georgia Tech

The 2025 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets came out of nowhere last season to capture the ACC regular season title. 

Former ACC Player of the Year and Georgia Tech assistant coach James Ramsey ascends to the head coaching role following the retirement of program legend Danny Hall. 

The Jackets haven’t reached a Super Regional since their last College World Series appearance in 2006, and expectations for Ramsey in his first season at the helm couldn’t be any higher.

Georgia Tech returned most of its roster from last season and added a handful of impact transfers on both sides of the ball. 

Golden Spikes frontrunner and potential top-10 MLB draft pick Drew Burress returns for his junior season, where he’ll anchor what might just be the best lineup in the entire country. 

Fellow potential first-round pick Vahn Lackey is back behind the dish as one of the nation’s best catchers. Rumor is that he’ll have an opportunity to play all nine positions in a game at some point this season.

Of last year’s starters, only Kyle Lodise is gone. Ramsey reinforced his offense with All-ACC second baseman Jarren Advincula (Cal) and slugger Ryan Zuckerman (Pitt). 

Zuckerman took major strides over the fall and winter to develop himself into a more complete player, improving significantly on defense and reducing his swing-and-miss issues offensively.

Also returning in the lineup are reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Alex Hernandez and last year’s ACC batting champion Kent Schmidt. 

Draft-eligible sophomores Will Baker and Drew Rogers are set for breakout seasons, while defensive whiz Carson Kerce slides over to shortstop to replace the departed Lodise. Don’t overlook Kerce’s offensive ability, however, as the junior hit .313 with 20 doubles last year. 

Georgia Tech pitching has steadily improved over the last two seasons under the tutelage of Matt Taylor and Jason Richman. In 2025, they had the third-lowest ERA in conference play, which is a far cry from where they were in 2023, when they were a complete two runs worse. 

Tate McKee (8-3, 4.84 ERA) and All-American Mason Patel (11-2, 3.34 ERA) could form a lethal 1-2 punch on Friday and Saturday nights while Tennessee transfer Dylan Loy, sophomore Adam McKelvey, and star freshman Charlie Willcox are in contention for the Sunday role.     

Rutgers transfer Justin Shadek is also an option for a starting spot, but his elite stuff plays up as a reliever. 

Along with McKelvey, sophomore Jackson Blakely is a prime breakout candidate. At the same time, fellow returners Brett Barfield, Carson Ballard, Kayden Campbell, and Caden Spivey all provide above-average depth and high leverage experience. 

The pitching is more than enough for the Jackets to repeat as ACC Champions, but they’ll need to maintain that consistency in the postseason to reach Omaha for the first time since 2006.

The good news is that the last time Georgia Tech had a new head coach, they reached Omaha in his first season (1994). Ramsey and the Yellow Jackets are embracing the expectations and pressure.

Teams To Watch

Florida State 

The Seminoles fell just short of Omaha in 2025 and, for the second straight year, will need to replace the production of big-time stars in their lineup. Alex Lodise, Drew Faurot, Max Williams, and Gage Harrelson stepped up last season to offset their star losses from 2024’s Omaha team. 

This year, the likes of Cal Fisher, Myles Bailey, Chase Williams, and Hunter Carns will take center stage. 

All-American Bailey and fellow sophomore Carns are both draft eligible and poised for big years after impressing with extensive playing time as freshmen. 

Bailey showcases prodigious power and notched 19 home runs in his first season, while Carns dominated over the summer on the Cape, posting a gaudy 1.033 OPS in 17 games. 

Williams is a dynamic athlete who will serve as the Seminoles’ primary baserunning threat. As a sophomore, the outfielder hit .342 and stole 18 bases while slugging .474. 

Fisher hit .303 with eight home runs in his first season as a full-time starter, but he possesses more power than those numbers indicate. 

Other key cogs of Florida State’s lineup include transfers Eli Putnam (Davidson), Brayden Dowd (USC), and Gabe Fraser (Arkansas). 

Putnam is a game-changing bat that will slide into the middle of the order and provide juice alongside Bailey. The grad transfer had 37 extra base hits in 2025 and also stole 13 bases. Dowd is an on-base machine with pop and could hit at the top of the order. 

Fraser didn’t get a ton of playing time at Arkansas as a freshman, but the toolset is real, and he’ll have an opportunity to start right away in Tallahassee.  

The Noles have a pair of uber-talented freshmen who could force their way into playing time during the season. Outfielder John Stuetzer has impressed coaches with his speed, power, and approach at the plate. 

Infielder Kelvyn Paulino Jr. is their top recruit and has a major league frame.  

Florida State’s rotation remained intact the entire season as Jamie Arnold, Joey Volini, and Wes Mendes combined to make virtually every weekend start. 

The bullpen, however, lacked depth and struggled with injury throughout the year. Even with Arnold and Volini leaving for the pro ranks, Jarrett and his staff made it a priority to reinforce the bullpen.

First, Florida State brought in FAU transfer Trey Beard to replace Jamie Arnold as the ace of the staff. Beard was incredible as a sophomore in 2025, going 7-1 with a 3.14 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 86 innings. 

He’ll pair with fellow southpaw Mendes to anchor the rotation, with UVA transfer Bryson Moore likely in the Sunday role.

Two impact arms joined the Seminoles from the Big 10 in right-handers Brodie Purcell (USC) and Cole Stokes (Oregon). Both players have high-leverage experience and boast ERAs under 3.10. 

Former Duke star Gabe Nard will join Purcell and Stokes to form a lethal three-headed monster at the back of the bullpen. Nard had an off year for the Blue Devils in 2025 but still posted a sub-5.00 ERA over 50.2 innings. 

Mississippi State transfer Cade O’Leary didn’t throw a ton in Starkville, but enjoyed a great fall and has significant upside.

Veteran John Abraham (4-1, 4.64 ERA) likely assumes the swingman role but is capable as either a reliever or a starter. 

After injuries plagued the bullpen a year ago, Chris Knier stepped up and provided valuable innings down the stretch, posting a 4.75 ERA and striking out 31 hitters. Redshirt sophomore left-hander Payton Manca is a pick to click after an impressive summer on the Cape.

Florida State has turned last season’s weakness into a strength as the bullpen appears as deep as it has ever looked under Jarrett. The lineup has some small questions, but will likely grow and develop into one of the ACC’s best by the time May rolls around. 

If the Seminoles can reach Omaha, their newfound pitching depth gives them a legitimate chance at a National Championship.

North Carolina

North Carolina returns the nation’s best pitching staff and has reloaded on offense. Despite losing 2025 ACC Pitcher of the Year Jake Knapp and another key piece in Aidan Haugh, the Tar Heels are set to have an even deeper group of arms in 2026.

After leading the ACC by over a full run in ERA, the Tar Heels will rely on right-hander Jason DeCaro to lead the rotation after another strong season, where he posted a 3.78 ERA over 83.1 innings. 

He’ll be joined by fellow junior and former Friday night arm Folger Boaz, who served in a swingman role as he worked his way back from the injury he suffered as a freshman. 

Sophomore Ryan Lynch will also be in the rotation after an impressive audition as a starting arm at the end of last season. In three starts between the ACC Tournament and postseason, Lynch went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 18 strikeouts.

The bullpen will be led by returning closer Walker McDuffie and former All-American Matthew Matthijs. Other key relief arms include Olin Johnson, Cam Seagraves, and Tom Chmielewski. Boston Flannery is a pick to click after throwing just one inning last year.  

Three uber-talented freshmen arms that could earn innings include right-handers Talan Holiday and Caden Glauber, and southpaw Jackson Rose.

UNC was a middle-of-the-pack ACC offense last year and needs to replace seven starters in the lineup. Star infielder Gavin Gallaher is the primary bat to watch after a sophomore campaign that saw him slash .325/.409/.603 with 31 extra base hits and 68 RBI.

Carolina will surround Gallaher with a group of talented transfers that includes five-tool outfielder Owen Hull (George Mason), slugging catcher Macon Winslow (Duke), and defensive star Erik Paulsen (Stony Brook).

Keep an eye on the left side of the infield for underrated transfers in Jake Schaffner (North Dakota State) at short and Cooper Nicholson (Des Moines CC) at third. Schaffner hit .367 in ‘25 while Nicholson was a power threat all fall and hit 21 homers at the JUCO level last year.

A popular breakout candidate in the outfield is sophomore Sawyer Black, who hit .297 in just 37 at-bats as a freshman while battling an injury that cost him playing time. Fellow sophomores Perry Hargett and Lee Sowers could be impact players coming off the bench.   

It’s a different offensive profile for the Tar Heels heading into 2026, but one that has the opportunity to be deeper and more balanced than the 2025 version. Expect to see UNC steal a ton more bases with the likes of Hull, Schaffner, and Nicholson.

A reloaded offense and deep pitching staff should see North Carolina once again in the mix for an ACC title, but their eyes remain fixed on a National Championship. 

Louisville

Louisville made a surprise run to the College World Series in 2025 and was among the final four teams standing. Despite some key departures, the 2026 Cardinals team has a chance to be even better than its predecessors. 

It begins in the outfield with All-Americans Lucas Moore and Zion Rose. Alongside shortstop Alex Alicea, this trio combined to hit 77 extra-base hits and steal an incredible 118 bases last season. Their ability to get on base and run riot on the basepaths is a major X-factor.

First baseman Tague Davis will be joined by transfers Jimmy Nugent and Ben Slanker to provide juice in the middle of the order. Davis is coming off a campaign in which he hit 18 home runs. Slanker hit 21 dingers a year ago for Ohio, while Nugent notched 20 as a JUCO player. 

Two freshmen to keep an eye on are middle infielder Kade Elam and first baseman Kaden Schoenly. Both could start immediately for the Cardinals and be impact players in their first seasons.

Louisville will have to replace star pitchers Patrick Forbes and Tucker Biven, but their vaunted sophomore class gives them plenty of options to do so. Ethan Eberle (6-2, 4.65 ERA) will anchor the rotation while Jake Schweitzer (4-3, 2.34 ERA) is the bullpen ace. 

Jack Brown, Jake Gregor, Casen Murphy, Kian Vorster, and Aaron England are all sophomore arms that could become breakout stars. The aforementioned Tague Davis should also get more opportunities to pitch in 2026.

Joining Eberle on the weekend is Kent State transfer Jacob Bean (6-2, 4.20 ERA) and last year’s Sunday starter Peter Michael (4-3, 4.83 ERA). Southpaw TJ Schlageter (3-2, 5.04 ERA) is also a candidate for the rotation.

Senior Wyatt Danilowicz (0-1, 2.70 ERA) will pair with Schweitzer at the back-end of the bullpen after an impressive 2025. If Ty Starke (1-0, 8.35 ERA) and Colton Hartman (2-1, 11.65 ERA) can enjoy bounceback seasons, they’ll be in contention for high leverage innings as well.

Louisville’s offensive core and the deep pitching staff should see them improve on last season’s regular season. Speed never slumps, and Louisville’s ability to win in a variety of ways should see them once again contend for a trip to Omaha.

Virginia

For the first time in 22 years, Virginia has a new head coach. After immense preseason expectations that garnered a consensus top-five ranking, the ‘Hoos missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

As with any head-coaching change in the modern era, UVA experienced significant roster turnover, but some key returners were bolstered by seven Duke transfers who followed new head Coach Pollard and his staff to Charlottesville.

The ‘Hoos 2026 lineup will feature two potential first-round draft picks in center fielder AJ Gracia (.293, 26 XBH) and shortstop Eric Becker (.368, 31 XBH). They’re joined by Rider transfer Joe Tiroly (.377, 36 XBH), who has All-ACC upside and may also go on day one of the draft.

As if that tantalizing trio wasn’t enough, the ‘Hoos also have a big-time power threat in Sam Harris (.297, 16 XBH) and program single-season home run record holder Harrison Didawick. 

Gold Glove JUCO transfer Jake Weatherspoon will be the catcher, and he led the squad in home runs over the fall. Experienced grad transfer Noah Jouras (Davidson) will back him up and compete for at-bats at designated hitter.

Noah Murray, Antonio Perrotta, Aidan Harris, and Zach Jackson are veterans who could enjoy breakout seasons while the first-year class is loaded. Jayden Stroman and RJ Holmes are in contention on the infield, while Griffin Enis and Will Mahala will push for time in the outfield.

There are some concerns on the pitching side. Still, on paper, Virginia has the right players to succeed, especially as early indications show ace Kyle Johnson (4-4, 7.19 ERA) is set for a resurgent 2026. A big year could see him emerge as the nation’s best two-way star.

Joining KJ in the rotation are a pair of former Duke southpaws in sophomores Henry Zatkowski (5-3, 4.83 ERA) and Max Stammel (0-1, 4.09 ERA). Zatkowski broke out as a Sunday arm for Duke in 2025 while Stammel dominated on the Cape in a starting role over the summer.

If those three can handle the starting roles on the weekend, UVA is poised to have a strong, three-headed monster at the back-end. 

Eastern Michigan transfer Tyler Kapa has elite stuff in the closing role. At the same time, former Western Kentucky pitcher Lucas Hartman posted a 2.70 ERA as one of the nation’s best relievers last year.

If Matt Augustin, who missed all of last season due to injury, can find the form he had when he was the team’s best bullpen arm down the stretch in 2024, Virginia could end up having one of the better bullpens in the ACC.

Kapa, Hartman, and Augustin in high-leverage roles allow Kevin Jaxel, Drew Koenen, and Joe Colucci to provide quality innings elsewhere. Sophomore Michael Yeager is a pick to click after a big summer and fall. He could be the midweek starter.

The biggest concern with this pitching staff is the lack of lefties in the bullpen, as Dean Kampshror and Virginia Tech transfer Brendan Cowen appear to be the only options. 

There’s a lot to like about the depth of this UVA staff when you consider the talented freshman arms looming in the bullpen. An octet of talented first-year arms will push for playing time, highlighted by elite recruits Noah Yoder and John Paone.

If Virginia’s pitchers can solidify their roles early and execute, the sky is the limit for the ‘Hoos. There’s plenty of depth that could see UVA back in Omaha sooner rather than later.

NC State

Despite being ranked by most preseason polls, including our own, NC State is flying under the radar. Like their arch-rivals in Chapel Hill, the Wolfpack possess an outstanding pitching staff and a retooled offense. 

Ace Ryan Marohn (8-3, 3.38 ERA) is a candidate for ACC Pitcher of the Year, while Heath Andrews has the arsenal and now the starting experience to improve on his 6.02 sophomore ERA.

Joining them in the weekend rotation is former All-American reliever Jacob Dudan (2-2, 3.90 ERA). Dudan had some fastball command issues last season and relied on his elite slider nearly 70% of the time. After an offseason of development, expect Dudan’s fastball to return to form.

Sophomore Anderson Nance (8-2, 3.50 ERA) will be the bullpen ace alongside lefty Cooper Consiglio, who should have a bounce-back season after sophomore struggles that saw him post a 10.59 ERA.

Landon Carr, Julien Peissel, and Truitt Manuel return from injury and are expected to be crucial parts of the bullpen. 

Two sophomore transfers arrive in Raleigh poised for breakout seasons. Collins Black only tossed 9.1 innings for Duke as a freshman, but he has big-time upside after significant development over the offseason. 

South Carolina transfer Ryder Garino (2-0, 5.84) had 34 strikeouts in 24.2 innings and will get high-leverage opportunities.

NC State was a bottom-half ACC team offensively in 2025, ranking 8th in average, 9th in OBP, and 14th in home runs. The return of Chris McHugh (.365, 19 XBH) and the addition of Dalton Bargo (.272, 29 XBH) from Tennessee should help boost the power numbers.  

Additionally, expect a big freshman-to-sophomore year development jump from former blue-chip recruits Ty Head (.274, 15 XBH) and LSU transfer Mikey Ryan. Former JUCO standout Sherman Johnson is a high-upside option at the hot corner with a dynamic toolset. 

NC State returns capable stalwarts Luke Nixon (.295, 23 XBH), Brayden Fraasman (.279, 24 XBH), and Drew Lanphere, while freshman speed/on-base combo Rett Johnson is the projected left fielder and rounds out the starting nine.

Assuming that’s the starting group, the Wolfpack bench is loaded. Sophomore infielder Brandon Novy is a breakout candidate, while transfer outfielders Andrew Wiggins (Indiana) and Devin Mitchell (Florence Darlington) each possess star capabilities. 

Overall, it’s a more balanced and potent offense heading into 2026. If the pitching staff executes as expected, the Wolfpack has an Omaha-caliber squad.

Clemson

Clemson fell short of Omaha for the third straight year in 2025 despite earning a regional hosting bid. The Tigers’ pitching could rival North Carolina and NC State at the top of the ACC, but the offense is the big question mark heading into this year.

Clemson finished the 2025 season ranked 11th in the ACC in hitting and 12th in slugging. The lack of power, in particular, was a concern as only Jacob Jarrell (15)  and Collin Priest (12) hit more than seven home runs last year.   

Both Jarrell and Priest return, joining two slugging transfers that should help mitigate Clemson’s power concerns. Mercer transfer Ty Dalley launched 19 long balls a year ago, while former Loyola Marymount star Nate Savoie notched an even 20.

That quartet and a resurgent Luke Gaffney (.271, 12 XBH) should provide more than enough juice for top-of-the-order hitters Jarren Purify (.298, 19 XBH) and Tyler Lichtenberger (.341, 18 XBH).

On the pitching side, Clemson brings back Aidan Knaak (9-1, 4.18 ERA), who is the favorite for ACC Pitcher of the Year. Both Drew Titsworth (5-1, 4.28 ERA) and Talan Bell (0-2, 5.56 ERA) also return to form one of the best weekend rotations in the conference.

The Tigers will have to replace All-American closer Lucas Mahlstedt and relief workhorse Reed Garris, but two arms that could step into the closing role are crafty lefty Jacob McGovern (3-1, 3.86 ERA) and right-hander Joe Allen (5-0, 1.84 ERA).

Other high-leverage options include transfer arms Hayden Simmerson (Catawba) and Michael Sharman (Tennessee). Simmerson has closing experience at the D-III level, where he notched 17 saves and walked just 19 batters in 64.1 innings. Sharman is a southpaw with SEC experience who posted a 3.18 ERA in 17 appearances for the Vols last spring.

Sophomores Brendon Bennett and Dion Brown have breakout potential, while last year’s projected Sunday starter, Dane Moehler, is back from injury and could be a staff wildcard.

Veterans Nathan Dvorsky, Chance Fitzgerald, Noah Samol, and Justin LeGuernic provide depth alongside an imposing group of freshmen arms.

While the roster lacks the star power that headlined the first three rosters under head coach Erik Bakich, this Clemson team could be his most complete group since being hired.

Miami

The Hurricanes were within one game of reaching Omaha after a fantastic performance as the No. 3 seed in the Hattiesburg Regional, where they beat Alabama, Columbia, and Southern Miss.

Miami brings back its four best hitters and has a lineup that could rival anyone’s in the country. It starts with the record-setting Daniel Cuvet at third base. The junior will be a day one MLB draft pick after slashing .372/.450/.708 with 39 extra base hits and 84 RBIs. 

Shortstop Jake Ogden (.336, 23 XBH) and outfielders Max Galvin (.313, 26 XBH) and Derek Williams (.317, 20 XBH) are a trio of seniors who broke out after transferring into the program ahead of last season.

A quartet of impact newcomers bolsters the rest of the lineup, highlighted by former NC State catcher Alex Sosa (.291, 26 XBH). Former USC-Upstate star shortstop Vance Sheahan will move across the infield to play second base after hitting .328 for the Spartans in 2025. 

JUCO transfer Cian Copeland and FIU graduate Brylan West will split time at first base and DH. Copeland hit 15 home runs for Miami Dade as a freshman, while West is a high-average guy with the ability to drive the ball to all fields.

Miami’s success hinges on the pitching. Sophomores AJ Ciscar (6-2, 4.46 ERA) and Tate DeRias (2-3, 5.77 ERA) will need to take steps forward in their second seasons after strong debuts. If those two continue to develop, the Canes will have a nice 1-2 punch in the rotation.

Likely joining the sophomores on the weekend is senior southpaw Rob Evans (4.70 ERA), who primarily served as a lefty specialist in 2025 as he worked back from a significant injury suffered the year prior. He dominated as a starter on the Cape, and Miami hopes that success will carry over.

Austin Peay transfer Lyndon Glidewell (8-0, 3.36 ERA) is another candidate for the rotation. It could be the primary options during the midweek if the three aforementioned names solidify the weekend.

The bullpen will be anchored by Richmond transfer Ryan Bilka, who posted a 2.18 ERA over 62 innings as the Spiders’ relief ace last spring. Returners Jake Dorn (1.98 ERA) and Brixton Lofgren (0.00 ERA) will see increased workloads and could be impact arms.

A trio of veteran transfers are wildcards for head coach JD Arteaga. TJ Coats (Nebraska), Michael Taylor (UNLV), and Packy Bradley-Cooney (Alabama) have all experienced success before disappointing stretches. Bounceback years would be massive for the Canes.

Florida transfer Frank Menendez and former Friday night starter Nick Robert are both expected back during the season and could be X-Factors. Sophomores Michael Fernandez, Lazaro Collara, and a handful of freshmen provide elite-upside depth.

If Miami can distinguish where their talented arms are best utilized, the Canes have as good a shot as any team in the ACC to compete for a trip to Omaha.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest is an intriguing squad. The 2025 Demon Deacons led the ACC with 116 home runs and a .427 OBP. They return several key bats and most of a pitching staff that posted a Top-5 ACC ERA.

The Deacs’ rotation isn’t being talked about enough. They have a front-line Friday night stud in junior Blake Morningstar (6-2, 3.87 ERA) and another experienced starter in Matthew Dallas (5-1, 4.90 ERA). 

Former second-round MLB draft pick Chris Levonas (3-1, 5.91 ERA) is showcasing impact ability in the preseason, while CAA Freshman of the Year Cam Bagwell (9-2, 3.07) might be the best pitching transfer in the conference. 

Aside from Levonas and Bagwell, new pitching coach Eric Nieson has four sophomores who have enjoyed monster summers and falls in Duncan Marsten, Rhys Bowie, Troy Dressler, and Nate Whysong. Each can serve as a starter, swingman, or short reliever.

That quartet will get their share of opportunities, but the Deacs also bring back Luke Schmolke (3-1, 4.15 ERA) and Zach Johnston (2-2, 7.77). One of the heartbeats of their teams in recent years, Will Ray, is healthy again and ready to dominate in high-leverage situations.

Offensively, Wake Forest will continue to slug. Junior Kade Lewis (.376, 29 XBH) and sophomore eligible Dalton Wentz (.316, 27 XBH) form a fearsome pair in the middle of the lineup.

Catchers Matt Conte (.295, 9 XBH) and Jimmy Keenan (.246, 14 XBH) will both feature in the lineup and should see drastic improvements on their 2025 numbers following strong offseasons. Austin Hawke (.303, 18 XBH) is a speed/slug threat at second base.

Wake brought in former Georgetown star Blake Schaaf (.344, 16 XBH) to succeed Marek Houston at shortstop. Still, freshman JD Stein has impressed with his defensive ability and mature approach at the plate. Because of that, Schaaf could be forced to move to second.

Left fielder Boston Torres (.337, 25 XBH), who came over from VMI, is expected to be the leadoff guy with a high steal, high on-base skillset. Javar Williams (.271, 8 XBH) has a similar skillset at the bottom of the order and will play center field.

If Wake Forest’s success were to lie on one player’s shoulders, it might be on sophomore outfielder Luke Costello (.290, 17 XBH). If he can carry over his freshman production, he’ll provide crucial middle-of-the-order protection for Lewis and Wentz.

While the Demon Deacons aren’t ranked, they clearly have the depth and personnel to make significant noise in the ACC.

Dark Horse Teams 

Notre Dame

Not enough people are talking about Notre Dame after they finished 16-3 with series wins over Louisville and Miami. The Irish have a strong core, a highly-rated recruiting class, and a handful of savvy transfers.

Friday night arm Jack Radel might be the most underrated ace in the country after going 7-4 with a 3.58 ERA. Notre Dame’s success may depend on who head coach Shawn Stiffler opts to pair with Radel in the rotation. 

Blue chip freshman Caden Crowell is in contention for one of those spots, as is last year’s midweek starter Kellan Klosterman (1-1, 5.33 ERA). If they can claim those two weekend spots, a veteran group of arms can be used to create a formidable back-end of the bullpen.

Both Stanford transfer Ty Uber (1-2, 5.14 ERA) and former Minnesota closer Noah Rooney (4-1, 2.94) could land a starting job, but imagine a three-headed relief monster of Uber, Rooney, and a healthy Radek Birkholz.

That frees up the likes of Oisin Lee (6.16 ERA), Xavier Hirsch (3-0, 4.71 ERA), and Brady Koester (2-0, 3.48) to shine in the middle innings.

Tampa transfer Eli Thurmond (1-1, 3.63 ERA) and freshmen Will Jaisle, Garrett Snyder, and Dylan Singleton provide further depth on the mound. 

Even with the departures of Carson Tinney, Estevan Moreno, and Connor Hincks, the Irish lineup is in good shape. Bino Watters (.317, 19 XBH) is the bat to watch, but a number of his sophomore classmates are poised to have big seasons.

Parker Brzustewicz (.301, 11 XBH) has focused on increasing his power over the offseason, and his 6’4” physical frame should see his home run totals increase exponentially. Outfielder Jayce Lee (.208, 7 XBH) has five-tool potential and will build off last year’s experience.

Noah Coy will take over at shortstop and likely bat in the leadoff spot. He started on Opening Day last February, but early-season struggles forced him to make way for Hincks. Coy’s mature ability and discipline at the plate should see him succeed this time around.

The Irish will miss Tinney at catcher, but not as much as one would expect. Davis Johnson (.281, 13 XBH) is coming off a breakout 2025, and Cornell transfer Mark Quatrani (.318, 16 XBH) was arguably Notre Dame’s best hitter of the fall. Both bats will feature in starting roles.

Center fielder Drew Berkland (.293, 24 XBH) is a game-changing bat that lengthens the lineup and provides the young core with a veteran presence. Fellow grad transfer Andrew Graham (.446, 42 XBH) arrives from the D-II level and could provide an impact from the bench.

Dylan Passo, Jamie Zee, and two-sport athlete Brandon Logan are all highly capable freshmen who will make themselves heard throughout the season. Zee is expected to start at second while Passo will platoon at first with Chase Van Ameyde.

Depending on how Notre Dame navigates a difficult ACC stretch in the middle of the season against Louisville, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, and Florida State, they are a tournament-caliber team. 

If the Irish can go just 7-11 over that 18-game stretch, they’ll have a shot. Going .500 or better during that gauntlet could put them in the regional host conversation– assuming they take care of business elsewhere.   

Virginia Tech

The Hokies not only have a new pitching coach in Doug Willey, but they’ve also assembled what could be the best group of arms in school history. The lineup has some concerns, but Virginia Tech consistently develops strong hitters.

Brett Renfrow (3-6, 3.89) has made 30 starts as a Friday night arm in the ACC. Griffin Stieg and Madden Clement are healthy and possess front-line start ability. And JUCO transfer Aidan Robertson (13-1, 4.12 ERA) turned down an MLB offer after being selected in the 13th round.

Sophomores Chase Swift (1-3, 3.99 ERA) and Logan Eisenreich (1-1, 4.88 ERA) each started for the Hokies last year but now slide into bullpen roles where their stuff will play up. Eisenreich’s fastball hit triple digits several times in the fall.

Preston Crowl (2-0, 3.90 ERA) emerged as Tech’s best reliever last season and will likely retain the relief ace role. Veterans Brendan Yagesh (5.40 ERA), Josh Berzonski (4-0, 3.38), and Kansas State transfer Brady Roe (3.12 ERA) provide a plethora of left-handed options. 

Luke Craytor and Texas A&M transfer Peyton Smith are high-upside wildcards if they harness their above-average abilities. Xavier transfer Ben Weber (6-3, 4.15 ERA) and top recruit Ethan Grim are candidates to start, but could serve as swingmen options or as a midweek starter.

Another X-factor on this staff is Danny Lazaro, a JUCO transfer from St. John’s River. The southpaw has a starter’s mix and intriguing stuff that, if unlocked, could see him become one of Virginia Tech’s best arms.

The Hokies lack the usual firepower on offense, but hitting coach Kurt Elbin has always found a way to get the most out of his lineups. Stalwarts Henry Cooke (.277, 16 XBH) and Clay Grady (.262, 16 XBH) are back and expected to have resurgent seasons in their final years.

Anderson French (.247, 6 XBH) and Hudson Lutterman (.208, 14 XBH) earned playing time as freshmen in 2025 and gained valuable experience that should see them both blossom as full-time starters this year.

Treyson Hughes was set to be a big part of Virginia Tech’s 2025, but an injury ended up sidelining him for much of the year. He’ll start in center field and hit towards the top of the order.

Four transfers round out the projected Hokie lineup, highlighted by former St. Joseph’s third baseman Owen Petrich (.310, 25 XBH). Belmont transfer Pete Daniel (.360, 22 XBH) is a defensive standout whose arrival forces three-year starting shortstop Grady to move to second. 

Sophomore Sam Grube (.293, 16 XBH) enjoyed a strong debut season with Mount Saint Mary’s and provides Virginia Tech with a ton of defensive versatility. Grad transfer Sam Gates (.346, 19 XBH) had a strong career at George Washington and is going to be the right fielder. 

In terms of depth, Virginia Tech has another big-time recruit in Ethan Ball, who could see time on the infield. Ethan Gibson is another capable hitter with positional versatility, while outfielder Nick Locurto is a veteran presence on the bench.

The unprecedented pitching depth in Blacksburg ahead of 2026 should have Hokie fans excited. It’s a squad with regional hosting upside that should have more than enough to be a lock for the NCAA Tournament.

The Rest

The Cal Golden Bears return a full weekend rotation, and their lineup possesses some high-upside star power. But they’ll need to rely heavily on freshmen in the bullpen. However, that could pay dividends in 2027.

Boston College is entering year three under head coach Todd Interdonato and returns a strong pitching staff. If the sophomore core of arms can continue to produce, BC will be a formidable foe on any given weekend with a lineup designed to wreak havoc on the bases.

Stanford brought in a highly-ranked recruiting class that could see the likes of two-way star Brock Ketelsen win ACC Freshman of the Year. The Cardinal lineup should be strong with the likes of Jimmy Nati, Rintaro Sasaki, and Tatum Marsh back. But the pitching must improve.  

Duke is transitioning under new head coach Corey Muscara. They’ll be competitive but appear to lack the depth needed to make the postseason. Keep an eye on stars Michael DiMartini and Cider Canon, each of whom could be day one draft picks.

Pitt has moved to the lower divisions to search for talent on both sides of the ball. The player to watch for the Panthers is freshman outfielder Mason Ligenza, who the Dodgers drafted in the 6th Round last July.  

Top 2026 MLB Draft Prospects

Player	Position	School
AJ Gracia	OF	Virginia
Drew Burress	OF	Georgia Tech
Vahn Lackey	C	Georgia Tech
Eric Becker	2B/SS	Virginia
Lucas Moore	OF	Louisville
Zion Rose	OF	Louisville
Jarren Advincula	2B	Georgia Tech
Ryan Lynch	RHP	North Carolina
Jack Radel	RHP	Notre Dame
Jason DeCaro	RHP	North Carolina
Hunter Carns	C	Florida State
Alex Hernandez	2B/OF	Georgia Tech
Kade Lewis	1B/3B	Wake Forest
Blake Morningstar	RHP	Wake Forest
Myles Bailey	1B	Florida State
Trey Beard	LHP	Florida State
Ty Head	OF	NC State
Gavin Gallaher	2B/3B	North Carolina
Aidan Knaak	RHP	Clemson
Wes Mendes	LHP	Florida State
Joe Tiroly	2B	Virginia
Drew Titsworth	RHP	Clemson
Daniel Cuvet	3B/1B	Miami (FL)
Chris McHugh	1B	NC State
Jake Schaffner	SS	North Carolina
Ryan Marohn	LHP	NC State
Jacob Bean	RHP	Louisville
Dalton Wentz	3B/2B	Wake Forest