The ACC remains a powerhouse in college basketball as the latest USA Today Sports Coaches Poll showcases the league’s depth and competitiveness. With multiple programs ranked and others receiving votes just outside the top 25, the conference continues to shape the national landscape heading into March Madness next month.
This week’s poll highlights notable shifts, teams gaining momentum, and squads holding steady amid a tight race in conference play. As the season heads into its final stretch, the ACC’s influence on NCAA rankings and tournament positioning is clear, making every game, win, and upset critical for coaches, players, and fans alike.
Duke’s fall from No. 4 to No. 6 reflects the Blue Devils’ first significant slip in recent weeks following a 71‑68 loss at North Carolina, where a Seth Trimble buzzer‑beater gave the Tar Heels a dramatic win over the formerly higher‑ranked Duke squad. That loss marked just Duke’s second defeat of the season and immediately impacted its national standing, even as the Blue Devils remain one of the ACC’s top programs.
In the wake of that thrilling road win, North Carolina jumped from No. 18 to No. 13 in the poll. The Tar Heels’ resume, bolstered by their ending of Duke’s 10‑game league streak and a five‑game winning run, made a compelling case for voters to elevate UNC in this week’s rankings.
The Virginia Cavaliers climbed from No. 17 to No. 15 thanks to continued solid performances in ACC action — including a 72‑59 home win vs. Syracuse and consistent scoring both from the perimeter and inside. Those wins highlighted a complete team performance that has kept the Cavaliers competitive against quality league opponents, catching voters’ attention.
Clemson’s jump from No. 19 to No. 18 came in part after the Tigers continued their successful league stretch, most recently earning a 66‑64 win over Stanford and playing stout defense while stringing together quality road trips. While not every contest has been easy, Clemson’s consistent production and ability to close games strengthened its national profile this week.
Louisville remained at No. 23, indicating voters’ confidence in the Cardinals’ profile despite the reshuffling around them. Louisville’s veteran leadership and ability to grind out wins, including an 88‑80 road victory over Wake Forest last week, continued to reinforce its spot, even as other ACC teams moved around.
Outside the Top 25, NC State’s increase to 13 total votes (from four last week) reflects growing respect for the Wolfpack’s recent run, which includes a six‑game ACC win streak with a dominating 82‑73 victory over Virginia Tech.
That streak, NC State’s longest since the 1973‑74 season, and balanced scoring from key players have pushed the Wolfpack onto more ballots, signaling that they are on the verge of entering the poll proper.
This week’s coaches poll results underscore the depth of the ACC through the heart of conference play. With multiple ranked teams and others knocking at the door of the top 25, the league continues to garner national attention ahead of Selection Sunday. Close results such as UNC’s upset of Duke and competitive road wins across the league have kept ACC teams in the conversation as the regular season winds down.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: ACC rankings shaken up in Week 15 USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll
Reporting by Brandon Foster, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
