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Duke, North Carolina, NC State & Louisville Set the Standard During ACC Media Day

  • Writer: Royal Howell
    Royal Howell
  • 7 days ago
  • 2 min read

The 2025–26 ACC Media Day spanned three days from the conference headquarters in Charlotte, NC, with newcomers California and Stanford officially joining the Atlantic Coast Conference for year 2 in Charlotte.


As the league turns the page following a lackluster NCAA Tournament showing—where only Duke reached the Final Four and no other team advancing past the Round of 32—the focus this season is squarely on consistency, particularly from the middle tier of programs.


Analytical metrics such as Strength of Schedule, RPI, and KenPom rankings continue to shape the ACC’s national perception, especially when it comes to seeding and selection for March Madness. A season ago, the league managed just four tournament bids—a figure many around the conference believe will rise thanks to improved recruiting, NIL resources, and strategic transfers that have bolstered rosters from top to bottom.


Contenders Emerge

Perennial powerhouses Duke, Louisville and North Carolina enter the season as the clear frontrunners for the ACC crown. Both programs bring in elite recruiting classes, headlined by the Blue Devils' additions of Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson—three of the nation’s most highly touted freshmen.


Duke head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the media with a focus on the team’s renewed commitment to defense, citing improved versatility on the wing, added height, and overall roster depth. Forward Maliq Brown, who recently underwent a knee procedure, participated in practice for the first time this offseason and expects to be fully healthy by opening night.

With new blood in the league and blue-bloods reloading, the ACC is poised for a potential resurgence in 2025–26—one that could restore its reputation as one of college basketball’s premier conferences.



Louisville who retained alot from last years team, will be led by Ryan Conwell, and J'vonne Hadley who spoke on high expectations during ACC Media Day.



 
 
 

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