ACC Football is back! The conference began 2024 play with an upset win for Georgia Tech over Florida State in Dublin, Ireland last week. On Thursday, NC State, Wake Forest, and North Carolina began their campaigns with victories.
The rest of the Week 1 schedule features some appetizing matchups, highlighted by No. 14 Clemson versus No. 1 Georgia in Saturday's noon (ET) timeslot. Elsewhere, No. 19 Miami plays Florida in their first rivalry-game meeting since 2019.
With so many exciting matchups, we’ve identified five ACC talents that can improve their draft stock on opening weekend. Our latest Draft Network 100 Big Board has served as a reference point.
Samuel Brown, WR, Miami
The focus will shift to the Miami-Florida contest at 3:30 p.m. ET following the conclusion of Georgia-Clemson's noon kickoff. Several intriguing draft-eligible prospects play for both the Gators and Hurricanes, with Miami wide receiver Samuel Brown (No. 61) being particularly interesting.
Brown transferred to Miami after spending the previous two campaigns at Houston. Brown enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Cougars in 2023, recording 62 receptions for 815 yards and two touchdowns. He's a smooth pass-catcher and advanced route-runner who can advance his pre-draft profile this season, beginning with a terrific opportunity versus Florida.
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Clemson are understandably two-score underdogs in Saturday's game versus the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs program. If Dabo Swinney's Tigers plan on sticking around, it'll take a terrific defensive effort from his front seven. Defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart (No. 72) is a gap wrecker capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
The battle between Capehart and Bulldogs starting right guard Tate Ratledge (No. 30) projects as a must-watch when they're lined up opposite one another. Capehart is a physically disruptive player, and a strong showing versus a potential first-round lineman would do wonders for his draft stock.
Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane made a recent appearance in our latest first-round mock draft, going 32nd overall to the Kansas City Chiefs. Delane begins the new campaign as our No. 74 overall prospect and 10th-best cornerback.
Delane's Hokies are two-score underdogs versus Vanderbilt on Saturday evening. The Commodores have several interesting players on offense, including new quarterback Diego Pavia, who transferred to the program from New Mexico State with his offensive coordinator Tim Beck. Pavia is a playmaker, and his presence could test Delane.
Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
Florida State EDGE Patrick Payton (No. 52) didn't do enough to impact last Saturday's disappointing defeat to Georgia Tech. Payton was credited with one solo tackle, zero sacks, and quarterback pressures en route to a pass-rushing grade of 54.8 from Pro Football Focus.
At his most disruptive, Payton is an athletic and explosive defender with three-down potential. He's far too talented to go MIA like he often did versus the Yellow Jackets. The potential first-round prospect is expected to be more impactful against Boston College on Sunday.
Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson
Clemson's only chance versus Georgia is to control the line of scrimmage and time of possession battle. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley will rely on running back Phil Mafah (No. 51) to dictate the tempo. Mafah was extremely productive last season, rushing for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Mafah's draft profile will increase if he can run the ball successfully versus a tough Georgia front that features talents such as Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker. He's a punishing back with a throwback traditional downhill running style approach. If Clemson stays within striking distance, Mafah could wear down the Bulldogs defense in the fourth quarter.
