Week 1 in the ACC featured several intriguing outcomes. Florida State managed to disappointingly lose two games to Georgia Tech and Boston College. Elsewhere, SMU edged out Nevada and North Carolina outlasted Minnesota.
The Week 2 slate features several must-watch contests. The highlight pits No. 24 NC State against No. 14 Tennessee. In other tight-knit matches, Georgia Tech faces Syracuse, and Virginia is a slight underdog against Wake Forest.
We've identified five ACC prospects who can increase their pre-draft stock this weekend with some help from our Draft Network 100 rankings.
Jadyn Ott, RB, California
Cal running back Jaydn Ott wasn't very productive in last week's 31-13 win over UC Davis. Ott did score two rushing touchdowns, but he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry while rushing for 49 yards via 14 carries. In the victory, he suffered an ankle injury, but head coach Justin Wilcox called him "probable" for this weekend's date with Auburn.
Ott is our 83rd overall prospect and RB10. The Tigers are two-score favorites over the Golden Bears. If Cal hopes to contend with Auburn, they’ll require a better, more efficient performance from Ott, who needs to help Cal sustain drives while winning the time-of-possession battle.
Nick Andersen, SAF, Wake Forest
Wake Forest hybrid safety Nick Andersen was everywhere versus North Carolina A&T last weekend. The Clifton, Virginia native recorded a game-high 14 tackles. Andersen is primed for a larger role this season after being more of a rotational defender last season.
The Deacons have a difficult Week 2 matchup versus Virginia. Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea and running back Kobe Pace were extremely productive in their victory over Richmond. Andersen will need to be a tackling machine if his Wake Forest program is to avoid the upset.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
Tight end Oronde Gadsden II is Syracuse's biggest receiving threat. He posted team-highs in receptions (7) and receiving yards (108) last week while catching a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter. This week, he gets a Georgia Tech program that is now ranked 23rd in the nation after a perfect 2-0 start.
Gadsden is a big-bodied pass-catcher with soft hands. He carries "big slot" potential at the next level. Gadsden is a red-zone target with a massive catch radius. Yellow Jackets defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci will emphasize slowing him down.
Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
NC State offensive tackle Anthony Belton is currently the 85th-ranked prospect in our Draft Network 100 release. He allowed just two quarterback hurries and zero hits via 44 pass-blocking snaps last weekend, per Pro Football Focus. That was against an overmatched Western Carolina. This week, he gets James Pearce Jr. and the Tennessee Volunteers.
Pearce, our 15th overall prospect, did not record a sack in Week 1. Pearce is rarely held off the stat sheet. If Belton can pitch a shutout versus the dominant pass rusher, NFL evaluators will surely take notice.
Kevin Concepcion, WR, NC State
Looking ahead to the 2026 class, NC State wide receiver Kevin "KC" Concepcion went absolutely nuclear versus Western Carolina last weekend. The three-level playmaker accumulated nine receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns. This week, he gets a matchup versus SEC powerhouse Tennessee.
The Volunteers are favorites, but a high-scoring affair is the likely outcome. The Wolfpack offense will rely on Concepcion to make big-time plays. Concepcion will raise his pre-draft profile if he manages to come close to repeating his Week 1 breakout performance.
