Spring football practices across the Atlantic Coast Conference concluded with several players positioned to make significant impacts this fall. Transfers and rising contributors emerged during workouts, signaling potential shifts for teams heading into the next season.
Quarterback positions saw notable activity. Devin Brown transferred to California from Ohio State, competing for snaps after limited time with the Buckeyes. Darian Mensah joined Duke from Tulane and is the projected starter, aiming to build on a successful season leading the Green Wave to their conference championship game.
At Louisville, Miller Moss arrived from Southern Cal and is expected to take the starting role after playing in ten games over three seasons with the Trojans. North Carolina's offense will be led by Gio Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama, under new coach Bill Belichick.
On the offensive line, Boston College's Dwayne Allick is expected to compete for a starting position after seeing increased snaps last season. In the backfield, Pittsburgh's Ja'Kyrian Turner showed versatility in spring practice, and Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne returns after surpassing 1,000 rushing yards last year, positioning him for a central role under new coach Jake Dickert. AP college football coverage details various conference movements.
Wide receiver additions aim to boost passing attacks. Tristan Smith joined Clemson from Southeast Missouri State, adding depth to their receiving corps. Florida State added Duce Robinson from Southern Cal, providing a tall target for their new transfer passer. Freshman Malachi Toney impressed at Miami (Fla.) during spring.
Defensive units also saw key players emerge or solidify roles. Georgia Tech added Kelvin Hill, a cornerback from UAB who made plays throughout the spring. N.C. State brought in Jaren Sensabaugh, a transfer from Missouri, to work under their new defensive coordinator. Billy Koudelka, a walk-on defensive end for Virginia, appears poised for an increased pass rush role after a strong spring. Rising junior Dante Lovett at Virginia Tech is expected to see more playing time at cornerback.
Separately, reports indicate NBA player OG Anunoby continues rehabilitation.
SMU is integrating Michigan transfer Matthew Hibner at tight end, hoping to build on his previous production. Stanford, under new coach Frank Reich, will look to quarterback Elijah Brown to lead their program forward after a turbulent spring session. Syracuse saw contributions from both sides of the ball by Demetress Samuel Jr. during spring workouts.
