Full Breakdown
ACC Basketball Power Rankings: December 2025
12/24/2025, 1:36:07 PM
Overview of the ACC Landscape
As of December 23, 2025, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is experiencing a notable resurgence in college basketball, with several teams showing significant improvement compared to the previous season. The conference boasts 38 Power Five wins this season, a marked increase from 16 last year, and nine ACC teams are currently ranked in the top 50 of the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings.
Current Power Rankings
The following are the power rankings for ACC teams as of December 22, 2025:
1. University of North Carolina (UNC): The Tar Heels have achieved their best start since the 2008-09 season, remaining undefeated since Thanksgiving. Under fifth-year coach Hubert Davis, they have effectively integrated 11 newcomers, with senior guard Seth Trimble leading the team.
2. Duke University: Despite a recent loss to Texas Tech, Duke remains a strong contender with a 5-1 record against ranked opponents. Coach Jon Scheyer has made history by becoming the fastest ACC coach to reach 100 wins.
3. University of Louisville: The Cardinals faced a setback against Tennessee, missing key player Mikel Brown Jr. due to injury. Louisville aims to improve its defensive performance as they prepare for upcoming games against California teams.
4. University of Virginia: The Cavaliers are averaging 86.5 points per game under new coach Ryan Odom, which could mark their second-highest scoring average in school history.
5. Clemson University: After a rocky start, Clemson has rebounded with victories against South Carolina and Cincinnati, showcasing a balanced team under coach Brad Brownell.
6. University of Miami: The Hurricanes have already surpassed their win total from last season, achieving 11 wins in 13 games under coach Jai Lucas.
7. University of California: The Golden Bears are enjoying their best start since the 1959-60 season, highlighted by a victory over a ranked UCLA team.
8. Southern Methodist University (SMU): The Mustangs have faced challenges but feature two of the league's top scorers, Jaron Pierre and Boopie Miller.
9. North Carolina State University: Coach Will Wade's Wolfpack is looking to build on a recent dominant win against Ole Miss, despite a challenging record in Power Five games.
10. Wake Forest University: The Demon Deacons have struggled in high-stakes matchups, needing a strong performance against N.C. State to gain momentum.
11. Stanford University: Freshman Ebuka Okorie has made a significant impact, leading the Cardinal to a 10-2 record.
12. Virginia Tech: The Hokies are dealing with injuries but have shown potential to challenge top teams when healthy.
13. University of Notre Dame: The Irish are facing difficulties following Markus Burton's injury, impacting their performance.
14. Syracuse University: The Orange narrowly avoided an upset against Northeastern, showcasing inconsistent play.
15. University of Pittsburgh: The Panthers recently secured a dominant victory against Penn State.
16. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets are preparing for a challenging matchup against Duke.
17. Florida State University: The Seminoles ended a five-game losing streak but face tough competition ahead.
18. Boston College: The Eagles have not played since December 10 and are likely to remain at the bottom of the rankings.
Official Statements & Responses
Duke's coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the importance of learning from their recent loss, stating, "We will get plenty of use out of the Texas Tech game film." Meanwhile, UNC's Hubert Davis praised his team's resilience, noting their ability to make crucial plays in tight situations.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised concerns about Duke's late-game execution and free-throw shooting, which could hinder their performance in the competitive ACC landscape.
What's Next
ACC teams will resume conference play after the holiday break, with key matchups scheduled, including Duke hosting Georgia Tech on December 31, 2025.
