The landscape of ACC college football is about to look very different in 2026. A new wave of talented newcomers is set to shake things up, and honestly, it’s about time.
From high-profile transfers to promising freshmen, these players could change the entire vibe of their teams and even the conference. Let’s take a look at some of the most important new faces for each ACC squad and what fans might (or might not) see this season.
The Impact of Transfers and Freshmen in ACC Football
Every year, the ACC gets a fresh batch of talent, and it always seems to move the needle in some way. This season, the stakes feel even higher, with teams putting a lot of hope in new arrivals.
Whether they’re experienced transfers or hyped-up freshmen, these guys bring something different to the table. Here’s a look at a few of the top newcomers for 2026—maybe the next big thing is on this list.
Boston College: RB Evan Dickens (Liberty Transfer)
Why: Bill O’Brien is trying to pull Boston College out of the mess of a 2-10 season. The Eagles’ ground game was, frankly, a disaster, so something had to give.
Enter Evan Dickens, coming in from Liberty to hopefully anchor the backfield and take some heat off a passing game that’s still under construction.
What to Expect: Dickens ran for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns last year at Liberty. He’s got the stamina and toughness BC desperately needs, though his pass protection could use some work.
What They’re Saying: Kenyatta Watson, GM, calls Dickens smart and versatile—a true three-down back. That’s a big compliment, but we’ll see if it translates on the field.
California: RB Adam Mohammed (Washington Transfer)
Why: Cal’s passing is fine, but their run game? Not so much. With Kendrick Raphael gone, the Bears needed someone who can really pound the rock.
Adam Mohammed, a north-south runner from Washington, seems like the right fit.
What to Expect: Mohammed is set to be the main guy in the backfield. He flashed some power at Washington with 523 yards and five scores last season—could be in for a breakout.
What They’re Saying: Marshall Cherrington, player personnel boss, points to Mohammed’s mindset and all-around skills. Sounds promising, but let’s wait and see.
Clemson: RB Chris Johnson Jr. (SMU Transfer)
Why: Clemson’s ground game hasn’t clicked for a while, and with Adam Randall off to the NFL, the Tigers are hunting for a spark. Chris Johnson Jr. might just be it.
He’s got speed and versatility, which is exactly what Clemson’s been missing.
What to Expect: Johnson averaged a wild 7.1 yards per carry and 10.6 per catch at SMU. He could be the guy who finally opens up Clemson’s offense again.
What They’re Saying: Dabo Swinney is fired up about Johnson’s explosiveness. If he lives up to the hype, Tigers fans might finally relax a bit about the run game.
Duke: QB Walker Eget (San Jose State Transfer)
Why: With Darian Mensah gone, Duke needed someone who’s been around the block. Walker Eget brings that veteran edge and actual FBS reps—something you can’t fake.
What to Expect: Eget’s thrown for over 5,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career. He’s steady, which is exactly what Duke’s offense needs right now.
What They’re Saying: Binuk Kodituwakku, GM, likes Eget’s leadership and deep-ball touch. That’s great, but can he win games? Time will tell.
Florida State: DE Rylan Kennedy (Texas A&M Transfer)
Why: Florida State lost a ton of bodies up front—nine, to be exact. Rylan Kennedy steps in from Texas A&M as a much-needed pass rusher.
What to Expect: Kennedy racked up 11 hurries, three sacks, and seven stops last season. He’s expected to make an immediate impact on FSU’s defensive line.
What They’re Saying: John Garrett, GM of player personnel, loves Kennedy’s knack for getting after quarterbacks. Sounds like FSU fans will be watching him closely.
Georgia Tech: QB Alberto Mendoza (Indiana Transfer)
Why: Haynes King is out, so Georgia Tech needed a QB with some real experience. Alberto Mendoza, who showed flashes at Indiana, gets his shot.
What to Expect: Mendoza can move and will probably use his legs a lot. He’s got a chance to settle in with more reps and give Tech’s offense some stability.
What They’re Saying: Brent Key, head coach, is high on Mendoza’s football IQ and escapability. It could be fun—or frustrating—depending on how quickly he adapts.
Louisville: QB Lincoln Kienholz (Ohio State Transfer)
Why: Louisville’s had luck with transfer QBs, but Kienholz is a different breed—athletic, high-ceiling, but not a lot of college snaps yet. His development might decide just how far Louisville goes this year.
What to Expect: He’s got the tools, but learning Jeff Brohm’s system is a tall order. If he figures it out, his ability to make plays on the move could be huge.
What They’re Saying: Brohm points to Kienholz’s athleticism and knack for extending plays. There’s a lot of “if” here, but the upside is real.
Miami: QB Darian Mensah (Duke Transfer)
Why: Miami’s rolling with another transfer QB, and this time it’s Darian Mensah, who just won an ACC title at Duke. He brings a mix of poise and toughness that Miami’s hoping will pay off big.
What to Expect: With Miami’s stacked roster, Mensah could really thrive. The Hurricanes are aiming high, and he might just keep them in the playoff hunt.
What They’re Saying: Dennis Smith, Executive Director of Football, loves Mensah’s leadership and winning attitude. If he clicks with Miami, watch out.
NC State: OLB/Edge Harvey Dyson (Tulane Transfer)
Why: NC State’s front seven was gutted, so they needed a plug-and-play defender. Harvey Dyson, who put up strong numbers at Tulane, is expected to fill a lot of gaps.
What to Expect: Dyson’s motor never stops, and he can line up almost anywhere in the front. His knack for blowing up plays could be a lifesaver for the Wolfpack defense.
What They’re Saying: Andy Vaughn, GM, calls Dyson twitchy and disruptive—a near-perfect fit for their scheme. Let’s see if it works out that way.
North Carolina: WR CJ Sadler (2026 Signee)
Why: The Tar Heels had the fewest passing touchdowns in the ACC in 2025. CJ Sadler, a dynamic and quick-twitch athlete, is expected to add some much-needed playmaking to the offense.
What to Expect: Sadler should start out as a return weapon. He’ll likely work his way into offensive packages, providing those explosive plays UNC’s been missing.
What They’re Saying: Michigan’s Mr. Football, Sadler, gets a lot of praise for his vision and suddenness. Honestly, he looks like a valuable addition for the Tar Heels.
If you want more details on these players and what they might bring, you can check out the full article on ESPN’s coverage of important newcomers in the ACC for 2026.
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