ACC Expands to 18 Teams: Duke & Louisville Lead Competitive Four-Tier League

June 6, 2025
ACC Expands to 18 Teams: Duke & Louisville Lead Competitive Four-Tier League
  • Pittsburgh has a strong frontcourt but lacks depth in its backcourt, while Florida State has recruited experienced players to bolster their roster.

  • Tier 1 includes both Duke and Louisville, showcasing their strong rosters that are capable of competing for a national championship.

  • Virginia's recent coaching change has revitalized their ambitions, and they are expected to make a significant leap with elite guard additions and solid shooting options.

  • In Tier 3, labeled Bubblicious, teams like SMU and Miami have potential but must overcome chemistry and performance issues to secure NCAA tournament berths.

  • Despite their success, Louisville ended the season with a 27-8 record but faced an early exit in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

  • The ACC has evolved into an 18-team league, categorizing teams into four competitive tiers: Title contenders, Top 25 caliber clubs, Bubblicious, and The basement.

  • Duke and Louisville are highlighted as title contenders, with Duke finishing the previous season with a strong 35-4 record and reaching the Final Four.

  • The ACC is undergoing a coaching carousel, positively impacting team performances, as NC State hires Will Wade and Virginia brings in Ryan Odom.

  • Overall, the ACC is poised for an exciting season, with several teams undergoing transformations that could significantly impact their standings.

  • Tier 2 features teams like North Carolina and NC State, which possess talent but also flaws that could hinder their success in the NCAA tournament.

  • Miami, under coach Jai Lucas, is noted for its defensive strengths, although shooting remains a concern for the team.

  • In Tier 4, teams like Pittsburgh, Florida State, and California face challenges with limited postseason prospects and a need for significant improvements.

Summary based on 2 sources


Get a daily email with more NCAA Basketball stories

More Stories