The ACC has 18 teams, and yesterday, we listed seven teams with no chance of contending for the ACC crown. These eight teams had disappointing offseasons, as star players from nearly every program transferred out, and no team's incoming transfers stood out.
It will be hard to contend for the ACC this upcoming season, as the conference expects some elite teams to compete for the ACC Title and the NCAA National Championship.
After listing the seven teams with no chance, we want to list the bubble teams in the next tier. These teams will be on the bubble of possibly making the NCAA Tournament and could make a run in the ACC Tournament to win the championship game, but they would need help or some luck.
ACC basketball bubble teams: Teams that need some luck and help
Here are the five teams that should have a solid 2025-26 season and a chance at making the NCAA Tournament. These ACC bubble teams need some luck and help to win the ACC, but should have a good chance at making the Big Dance.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2024 ACC Record: 8–12
Portal Rank: 17th (1 transfer, 89.00 avg rating)
The Fighting Irish didn't attack the portal as they have the second-worst offseason in that aspect, but the Irish did earn some elite commits from the class of 2025. Notre Dame earned four commitments from the class of 2025, including one 5-star recruit and four 4-star recruits. Jalen Haralson is ranked as high as the 17th best player in the class, and the 5-star will join the ACC top scorer, Markus Burton. The Irish did lose their forward Tae Davis, but Notre Dame should see a massive jump next season and has what it takes to make the Big Dance.
Miami Hurricanes
2024 ACC Record: 3–17
Portal Rank: 3rd (6 transfers, 93.75 avg rating)
The Miami Hurricanes had a massive offseason as they named Jai Lucas their new head coach, and he instantly was able to bring elite talent. The Hurricanes' additions are ranked No. 3 in the ACC as they added six total transfers, including four 4-stars, in addition to their four 4-star transfers. Miami is bringing in one of the best recruits in the class of 2025, Shelton Henderson. The 5-star small forward is ranked as high as the 19th best player in the class, and will be a crucial reason Miami basketball is back.
SMU Mustangs
2024 ACC Record: 13-7
Portal Rank: 12th (2 transfers, 93.00 avg rating)
SMU just missed the NCAA Tournament last season as they were on the wrong side of the bubble. The Mustangs returned their top scorer from the 2024-25 season in Boopie Miller. Head coach Andy Enfield lost a crucial 5-star transfer, Yohan Traore, to Butler, but is set to bring in some solid additions. SMU has the third-best recruiting class in the ACC, as they landed four commits, including three 4-stars. Jaden Toombs is the Mustangs' star commit, ranked as high as the 30th best recruit in the class of 2025 and the fourth best center. Jax State transfer Jaron Pierre Jr. is the Mustangs' best incoming transfer.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2024 ACC Record: 13-7
Portal Rank: 6th (5 transfers, 92.25 avg rating)
The Demon Deacons were a surprise team from last season as Wake Forest finished fourth in the ACC, but just missed the Big Dance after losing to North Carolina in the ACC Tournament. However, moving on to the 2025-26 season, Wake Forest lost some elite stars. Hunter Sallis, Cameron Hildreth, and Efton Reid III all graduated, making head coach Steve Forbes hit the transfer portal. Their incoming transfers don't stand out as they rank 6th in the ACC, but they did earn five total commits, including four 4-star transfers. Purdue transfer Myles Colvin was Wake Forest's most significant addition this offseason as the 4-star transfer was ranked as high as a top 100 transfer, as he was ranked No. 96 by 247Sports.
Syracuse Orange
2024 ACC Record: 7-13
Portal Rank: 5th (6 transfers, 91.25 avg rating)
The Syracuse Orange should have their best season in a long time. Adrian Autry has his best roster yet, as the Orange have the fifth-best recruiting and transfer class in the ACC. Autry landed two 4-star recruits in the top 32, as Sadiq White Jr. will lead the way next season along with Kiyan Anthony, Carmelo Anthony's son. These two 4-star recruits have tremendous upside and will be joined by six transfers, including four 4-star transfers. Naithan George will transfer over from Georgia Tech, be the Orange's star point guard, and try to lead this Syracuse team back to the Big Dance.