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Miami Hurricanes lead ACC preseason favorites ahead of football season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 8:18 PM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

Miami Hurricanes lead ACC preseason favorites ahead of football season

Summary

The Miami Hurricanes have been chosen as the preseason favorite to win the Atlantic Coast Conference, according to a recent announcement. Miami, after reaching the College Football Playoff title game last season, received 165 of 188 first-place votes from media members. This marks only the second time Miami has been voted as the preseason favorite since joining the ACC in 2004. Other teams in the mix include SMU, Louisville, and Clemson, with significantly fewer votes. Miami's coach Mario Cristobal emphasized a focus on the team's daily performance rather than media narratives. The Hurricanes aim to build on last year's success and make a stronger bid for the ACC championship this coming season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Miami received 165 first-place votes for the ACC preseason pick.
•Last season, Miami reached the College Football Playoff title game.
•Clemson received seven votes, SMU six, and Louisville four.
•Miami was previously named preseason favorite in 2006.
•Coach Cristobal emphasizes focus on daily goals over hype.

Latest Updates

9:12 PMYahoo Sports — Miami picked as preseason ACC football favorite ahead of SMU, Louisville, Clemson
8:10 PMYahoo Sports — Miami Hurricanes picked as overwhelming favorite to win the ACC

What they're saying

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The Miami Hurricanes are the team to beat in the ACC. After reaching the national title game last season, Miami was picked as the preseason favorite by conference media members, the ACC announced Tuesday. Miami received 165 first-place votes. Clemson received seven first-place votes, followed by SMU with six, Louisville with four, Florida State with three and Georgia Tech with two. Stanford ...
— Yahoo Sports