When ACC play begins for the Virginia Tech football team after its four non-conference games this fall, the Hokies will open with one of their two biggest ACC opponents, Miami. The Hurricanes are one of two top-25 teams on Tech’s schedule, the other being Clemson.

It’s well known that things didn’t go as Miami hoped at the start of the Mario Cristobal era in South Florida, but there are high expectations for this season, and one of the reasons for the high expectations was Brad Crawford’s reason for optimism for them in the 2024 transfer portal.

“Reason for optimism: squad expansions outside the season

Given the firepower of the portal, there’s no reason Miami shouldn’t be one of the top teams in the ACC in every offensive category. Not only did the Hurricanes sign Cam Ward at quarterback, but Oregon State’s Damien Martinez was signed after the spring to back up Mark Fletcher in the backfield, and Sam Brown at wide receiver is a big play waiting to happen. Combine that trio with a veteran offensive line, and Miami shouldn’t have any trouble scoring points in abundance given their offseason investments.”

– Brad Crawford, 247Sports

Miami, ranked 19th, has signed some key players this season in Ward and Martinez, and both can help get Miami where they want to be and where they really need to be this season under Cristobal.

Clemson, ranked 14th, is looking to rebound from a 4-4 ACC record in 2023. And if it can do that, it will be because of its defensive line, which will have to play better than it did in 2023.

“Reason for optimism: defensive line

Peter Woods and TJ Parker. Those are the two names you need to know. Given the performance of these two former elite recruits, expect some turf wars when Clemson opens the season against Georgia. Cade Denhoff and Payton Page are also expected to do a lot now that Xavier Thomas and Tyler Davis are out of Clemson’s pass rush. DeMonte Capehart has the potential to be a star on defense in Death Valley.”

– Brad Crawford, 247 Sports

In addition to No. 10 Florida State, which is not on Virginia Tech’s schedule in 2024, Miami and Clemson are considered the ACC’s other top teams for 2024, joining No. 24 North Carolina State in the top 25 poll. All of them have reason for optimism this season.