The ACC went through major changes in the offseason. The conference will feature 17 teams in 2024 following the additions of California, SMU, and Stanford. The conference is littered with premium offensive talent as a result.
The ACC will hold its media days across from July 22-25. The conference produced the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft via Drake Maye and now we've identified the 10 offensive prospects with the most upside to impress this campaign.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
One of the best running backs in college football, North Carolina's Omarion Hampton blends speed with power to be a complete ball carrier. A Doak Walker Award finalist in 2023, Hampton rushed for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns. That performance placed him second on the Tar Heels' all-time single-season rushing yards list, and another massive campaign looms large.
Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo is a sudden playmaker who creates post-catch opportunities for himself. Restrepo routinely puts opposing cornerbacks in a blender when tasked with defeating man coverage. He averaged 6.5 catches per game last season, totaling 85 receptions for 1,092 yards and six scores. He’ll have a new quarterback throwing him the ball in 2024.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
It's been a whirlwind for new Miami quarterback Cam Ward. He initially declared for the 2024 draft before entering the transfer portal and joining the Hurricanes. Ward, who once transferred from Incarnate World to Washington State, threw for 3,732 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while rushing for an additional eight scores this past season. He could be the quarterback Miami has been waiting for.
Logan Parr, G, SMU
SMU left guard Logan Parr is hoping the program's move to the ACC will lead to more national exposure. The steady performer projects as a future All-ACC first-team selection. The four-star recruit was previously at Texas from 2020-2022 and is a people mover in the run game.
Jaydn Ott, RB, California
Cal running back Jaydn Ott will be making his ACC debut in 2024 after dominating the Pac-12 last season. The focal point of head coach Justin Wilcox's program, Ott exploded for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Chino native possesses game-changing speed when bouncing runs to the outside. There's room for more pass-catching production in 2024.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
The 2025 tight end class is shaping up to be a good one and Syracuse's Oronde Gadsden II could be a high-end prospect. Gadsden switched positions ahead of 2022 and immediately shattered the program's single-season receptions (61) and receiving yards (969) record by a tight end. The 6-foot-5 playmaker suffered a season-ending injury two games into 2023, qualifying him for a massive bounce-back season in 2024.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Loyal fans of the conference will familiarize themselves with Stanford wideout Elic Ayomanor this year. The 6-foot-2 boundary pass-catcher accumulated 62 receptions for 1,013 yards and six touchdowns throughout his lone season in the Pac-12. A native of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Ayomanor caught 13 passes for a school-record 294 receiving yards against Colorado last October.
DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State
Florida State hit the transfer portal to replace fifth-round quarterback Jordan Travis. Filling his lofty shoes will be former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. This will represent Uiagalelei's final opportunity to prove he's worthy of having an NFL future.
Grayson McCall, QB, NC State
Grayson McCall transfers to NC State to take over as their starting quarterback. He was extremely productive at Coastal Carolina, where he threw for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns as a four-year starter. A productive campaign against better competition could increase McCall's NFL chances.
Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson
Clemson running back Phil Mafah was the star of the Tigers’ backfield last season. Mafah outproduced Will Shipley by rushing for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns (and a team-high 5.4 yards per carry). He's a punishing ball-carrier who no longer has to worry about splitting reps with Shipley.
