The 2025 ACC Basketball Season: Wake Forest, Louisville, and Clemson Still in the Running as Duke Leads the Pack
As the 2025 ACC basketball season unfolds, the landscape of the conference is filled with drama, excitement, and fierce competition. With Duke maintaining its place atop the standings, Wake Forest, Louisville, and Clemson are emerging as strong contenders, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. The battle for supremacy in the ACC is far from over, and while Duke has been the standard-bearer in recent years, it’s clear that the conference’s power dynamic is shifting, with several teams poised to challenge the Blue Devils for dominance. As the season progresses, here’s a look at the key teams in the mix and what makes them dangerous in this highly competitive conference.
Duke: The Reigning Powerhouse
Duke has long been a staple of excellence in the ACC and college basketball as a whole, and 2025 is no different. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have continued to build on the foundation set by their legendary former coach, Mike Krzyzewski. This season, Duke is once again a top contender, holding the lead in the ACC standings as they look to maintain their reign over the conference.
A combination of elite talent, depth, and coaching has propelled Duke to the top. The Blue Devils’ roster features a blend of experienced upperclassmen and highly touted freshmen, making them one of the most complete teams in the country. Players like Kyle Filipowski, a dominant force in the paint, and Tyrese Proctor, a dynamic playmaker, are among the top contributors. Duke’s defense, anchored by its frontcourt, has been suffocating, and they are a nightmare for opposing teams on the fast break, where their speed and athleticism shine.
Duke’s success can be attributed not only to its talented players but also to its ability to develop young talent. Scheyer has been able to blend his strategic coaching style with the influx of high-level recruits, ensuring that the Blue Devils remain a national powerhouse. While they are not invincible, Duke’s balance of talent, coaching, and experience gives them an edge in the conference. As the season progresses, their ability to maintain this level of performance will be crucial to holding off challengers from within the ACC.
Wake Forest: Rising to the Challenge
While Duke has maintained its perch atop the ACC standings, Wake Forest has been steadily rising, showing that they are ready to challenge for a conference title. The Demon Deacons, led by head coach Steve Forbes, have been one of the most improved teams in the ACC, and their consistent performance throughout the 2025 season has made them a serious contender.
One of the key reasons for Wake Forest’s success is their well-balanced roster. The Demon Deacons have a combination of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen who are stepping up when needed. Players like Tyree Appleby, an explosive guard, have been key to Wake Forest’s offensive firepower, while big men like Andrew Carr and Davion Bradford provide both scoring and rebounding presence in the paint. Wake Forest’s backcourt is particularly dangerous, with guards who can shoot from the perimeter, drive to the basket, and create plays for their teammates.
In addition to the talent on the court, Steve Forbes has instilled a strong defensive mentality in his team. Wake Forest’s defense is aggressive, and they thrive in transition, where their athleticism allows them to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses. As the season progresses, the Demon Deacons will be a team to watch. Their ability to play both ends of the floor effectively, combined with their depth and the leadership of Coach Forbes, makes them a dangerous threat to Duke’s position atop the standings.
Louisville: Under the Radar but Dangerous
Another team that has emerged as a strong contender in the ACC is the Louisville Cardinals. While they may not receive as much national attention as some of the other programs, Louisville’s blend of talent and experience has allowed them to stay within striking distance of the top teams in the conference.
Head coach Kenny Payne has made significant strides in his second season at the helm of the program, and Louisville has benefited from an infusion of new talent. The Cardinals are led by standout players such as El Ellis, a dynamic guard who can take over games offensively, and Jae’Lyn Withers, a versatile forward who provides scoring and rebounding. Louisville’s roster is deep, with multiple players capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
The Cardinals are not just an offensive powerhouse; their defense has also been a point of emphasis this season. They have been able to disrupt opposing offenses with their pressure defense, forcing turnovers and generating easy points in transition. While Louisville’s record may not be as flashy as some of the other top teams in the ACC, their ability to compete at a high level in every game makes them a dangerous team to face.
As Louisville continues to gel under Payne’s leadership, they will be a team to watch as they look to make a late-season push for the ACC title. With a talented roster and a coach who understands the intricacies of ACC basketball, the Cardinals could very well make a run to the top of the standings if they can maintain their consistency.
Clemson: A Strong, Resilient Contender
Clemson is another team that has shown resilience and the ability to compete at a high level in the 2025 ACC basketball season. Under the leadership of head coach Brad Brownell, the Tigers have become a team that is difficult to beat, combining tough defense with efficient offense. Clemson has been one of the more balanced teams in the conference, with no one player dominating but rather a collection of strong contributors working together to achieve success.
The Tigers’ defense is their calling card, as they are one of the best defensive teams in the ACC. They limit opposing teams’ scoring opportunities with their disciplined approach, contesting shots and forcing turnovers. Offensively, Clemson is led by players like Hunter Tyson and PJ Hall, who have been key contributors in both scoring and rebounding. While Clemson may not have the star power of a team like Duke, their ability to play sound, team-oriented basketball has allowed them to remain competitive throughout the season.
What sets Clemson apart from many of their ACC rivals is their ability to play as a cohesive unit. There is no reliance on one superstar player; instead, every player on the floor understands their role and executes it to perfection. This unselfish style of play has made Clemson a tough team to beat, and as the season moves forward, they will continue to be in the mix for an ACC title.
The Race for the ACC Title
With Duke continuing to lead the pack, the question remains: which of these challengers—Wake Forest, Louisville, or Clemson—will ultimately rise to claim the ACC title? All of these teams have shown they can play at a high level, and each one has the potential to take down Duke if they are at their best. However, the road to an ACC title is never easy, and it will take more than just individual talent or strong coaching. It will take consistency, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.
For Wake Forest, the challenge will be maintaining their momentum as the season progresses. They have the talent to compete with Duke, but they will need to prove they can handle the pressure of being a top contender. For Louisville, their ability to stay healthy and continue developing as a unit will be key to making a run at the title. The Cardinals’ style of play, which focuses on defense and efficiency, could serve them well in the postseason. As for Clemson, their well-rounded, team-first approach could be the X-factor in what promises to be a tight race for the ACC crown.
Duke, for its part, will continue to face the pressure of being the team to beat. With their deep roster and championship pedigree, the Blue Devils will have to fend off not only these challengers but also any surprises that might emerge from other teams in the conference. While Duke has shown few signs of weakness, their ability to stay focused and execute in critical moments will be crucial as the season heads toward its climax.
