The ACC is expected to see an increase in production next season, as the elite conference had an incredibly successful offseason. The conference comprises 18 teams, and while every fan base thinks their team can contend during the offseason, only five to six teams can actually contend for the ACC Title.
We have already ranked the teams on the bubble that could contend, but here we ranked three teams that fall just outside the elite category but should compete for the 2025 ACC Title.
Related: ACC basketball bubble teams: Teams that need some luck and help
ACC basketball contenders for 2025: Teams just outside the elite
Clemson Tigers
2024 ACC Record: 18–22
Portal Rank: 4th (6 transfers, 91.50 avg rating)
The Clemson Tigers are coming off a fantastic season, but with a bitter ending. After finishing third in the ACC, the Tigers were upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin have left the Tigers' program, but they have brought in six transfers, including five 4-stars. The Tigers' most significant addition will be the 6-foot-10 Nevada transfer Nick Davidson.
North Carolina Tar Heels
2024 ACC Record: 13–17
Portal Rank: 2nd (5 transfers, 92.20 avg rating)
The Tar Heels expect to take a big leap in 2025-26 as North Carolina landed four 4-stars from the transfer portal, with their transfer class ranked No.6 in the nation. North Carolina will be led by their 5-star commit Caleb Wilson, ranked No. 8 in the country and the third-best power forward in the class of 2025. The Tar Heels roster will have what it takes to compete against the elite programs in the ACC and should return to the Big Dance, but will have to translate on the court and build their team chemistry.
Related: ACC basketball's “no chance” tier for 2025: The teams already out of the race
North Carolina State Wolfpack
2024 ACC Record: 5–15
Portal Rank: 7th (6 transfers, 90.83 avg rating)
North Carolina State is coming off a depressing season last year as they missed the ACC Tournament, but after their offseason addition, they should be a solid contender for the ACC Title. The Wolfpack will see nine new faces next season, including six transfers and three commitments from the class of 2025. 4-star commit Matt Able will look to lead NC State next season as he ranks No. 28 in the class of 2025, and will be joined by five 4-star transfers. The Wolfpack's season also lies heavily on Darrion Williams and P.J. Haggerty. These two 5-star transfers have been linked to North Carolina State a lot recently, and if the Wolfpack can land one or both, the Wolfpack's ACC chances will skyrocket.