Billy Tucker
Multiple Authors
Every season, a wave of new faces reshapes the ACC. Just ask Miami. The addition of Malachi Toney via the high school ranks and timely portal additions such as Carson Beck helped springboard the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game in 2025.
Whether it’s impact freshmen who arrive with lofty recruiting pedigrees, or experienced transfers who come with immediate expectations, the balance of power in modern college football can shift quickly.
It is a perfect time to project newcomers who could have the biggest impact.
To get a clearer picture of who might make the biggest impact in 2026, ESPN selected newcomers who could contribute right away, then surveyed coaches, general managers and personnel staffers across the conference on what stands out the most about their new addition.
Top newcomer: RB Evan Dickens (Liberty transfer)
Why: Bill O’Brien wants to reset Boston College’s identity after a 2-10 season in 2025, and that starts with reestablishing a physical, reliable run game after the Eagles had one of the worst overall rushing attacks of any Power 4 program. They lost premier runner Turbo Richard to Indiana in the portal, along with his nine touchdowns and 749 rushing yards, and the returning backfield production is minimal. Reserve transfer Nolan Ray never cracked more than 75 carries in a season at Maryland, while Bo MacCormack III hardly saw the field last year. It’s a thin, unproven room, which opens the door for Dickens to stabilize the position and take pressure off a rebuilding passing game.
What to expect: Dickens rushed for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025 at Liberty and logged over 530 snaps last fall, so he has already handled feature-back volume. He’ll see a significant jump in competition from Conference USA to the ACC, but his profile as a strong, durable runner with power, speed and endurance is exactly what Boston College needs. Dickens still has work to do in pass protection and as a receiver, yet his ability to carry the load gives O’Brien a legitimate RB1 and allows the Eagles to lean on a more ball-control approach while the rest of the roster catches up.
What they’re saying: “Evan has been extremely productive throughout his career, but what really separates him is how smart he is. He’s a true three-down back, strong between the tackles, reliable as a pass catcher, and someone you trust in protection.” — Kenyatta Watson, GM
Top newcomer: RB Adam Mohammed (Washington transfer)
Why: Between quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, tight end Mason Mini and an experienced receivers group, the core of Cal’s passing game is in place. But the Golden Bears need to rebuild their backfield after posting the second-worst ACC rushing offense in yards (1,062) and yards per carry (2.8) ahead of only rival Stanford. Kendrick Raphael is off to SMU after tallying 943 yards and 13 touchdowns on 232 carries in 2025, and LJ Johnson Jr. graduated. Behind Raphael, the rest of the backs combined for limited touches and never emerged as reliable options across a full season. The Bears needed a proven, north-south runner who could step right into that feature role and keep the offense balanced, and it doesn’t hurt that Mohammed graded quite well in the pass game.
What to expect: Mohammed should be the feature back in 2026. Washington’s run game produced nearly 1,900 rushing yards from three backs last season, with Mohammed chipping in 523 yards, five touchdowns and no fumbles. He’s ready for a bigger workload. Mohammed is a slippery, explosive power back who runs with great leg drive and finish, and he fits the profile of a 20-carry player Cal can rely on in ACC play. His presence gives Cal the chance to maintain a physical run element and avoid becoming one-dimensional around Sagapolutele.
What they’re saying: “It starts with Adam’s mindset. He’s invested in his body and mental approach and understands the process it takes to succeed at this level. He’s a very well‑rounded back who can do it all — the tape speaks for itself. A powerful runner with a great feel for space who can rip off chunks, and he makes everyone around him better by the example he sets every day.” — Marshall Cherrington, director of player personnel
Top newcomer: RB Chris Johnson Jr. (SMU transfer)
Why: Clemson has searched for a consistent ground game for two seasons. Converted wideout Adam Randall is off to the NFL, and while promising sophomore Gideon Davidson flashed in a limited role in 2025, Clemson lacks a proven lead back or big-play threat. The Tigers haven’t had a true game-breaking all-purpose back since Travis Etienne Jr. The quarterback run game hasn’t bailed them out either. Cade Klubnik averaged just 1.1 yards per carry (including sacks) last fall, and likely 2026 starter Christopher Vizzina has minimal experience. New coordinator Chad Morris needs someone who can turn ordinary runs and short passes into explosives. That’s Johnson.
What to expect: Morris is going to feed Johnson in every way he can. He’s one of the fastest, most dynamic backs in college football — an all-purpose weapon in the mold of C.J. Spiller. Johnson averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception last fall at SMU, and his ability to create chunk plays both on the ground and through the air fills a glaring need in Clemson’s offense. Expect him to line up all over the formation, get featured on screens, swings and perimeter touches, and quickly become a security blanket for a young quarterback. This was a significant portal loss for SMU and a potential two-year feature back for Clemson.
What they’re saying: “He’s as advertised. He’s what we thought he would be. He’s a kid that holistically, if he really buys in, it’s just going to accentuate all the gifts that he’s got. I’ve been very encouraged with him. He’s explosive. He’s fast. He has great ball skills. He’s a guy that we can use in a lot of ways. But he’s really bought in.” — Dabo Swinney, head coach
Top newcomer: QB Walker Eget (San Jose State transfer)
Why: This is about survival at the most important position on the field. The Blue Devils led all ACC offenses in average yards per game (285.4) and touchdowns (34). But with ACC championship-winning quarterback Darian Mensah entering the transfer portal on the final day, Duke suddenly had a massive void under center. The Blue Devils still return a productive backfield and enough experience at receiver and tight end to support another run, but their quarterback room was left with only two true freshmen, Dan Mahan and Lawrence Gardner, and no proven college snaps. Manny Diaz has elevated the program too far to roll the dice on a completely green group. Eget brings live FBS reps and a veteran presence that Duke absolutely needed.
What to expect: Eget threw for 3,051 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2025, and he has over 5,000 career passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Most importantly, he has seen real game speed. He’s not the same-caliber athlete or designed runner that Riley Leonard or Mensah were, but he won’t be a wide-eyed rookie either. Eget gives Duke stability and a competent distributor to pair with returning running back Nate Sheppard while young receivers grow up. For a defending ACC champ staring at a post-Mensah transition, that steady hand could be the difference between staying in the title picture and slipping back to the pack.
What they’re saying: “Walker has great leadership qualities and is of the highest character. We are excited for what he brings to the program and to our quarterback room. On the field, his deep-ball accuracy is a weapon as he has great arm strength. He has the ability to process quickly, get the ball out efficiently and excels at sack avoidance.” — Binuk Kodituwakku, GM
Top newcomer: DE Rylan Kennedy (Texas A&M transfer)
Why: Few defensive lines in the country were hit harder than Florida State’s. The Seminoles lost nine defensive linemen to graduation, the portal or the NFL. Mandrell Desir, Daniel Lyons and Deante McCray return up front with above-average production and experience, so there’s a lot to replace within a unit that graded among the upper third of FBS defenses against the run in 2025. FSU does bring back some rotational interior players who have played snaps but offers almost no proven edge rush production. Kennedy arrives as a ready-made pass rusher from a loaded Texas A&M front.
What to expect: Kennedy played mostly as a designated pass rusher in 2025, tallying 11 quarterback hurries, three sacks and seven defensive stops on a deep Aggies line. A former four-star in the 2023 class, he brings explosiveness and an elite first step off the edge. He still needs to add bulk and strength against the run, but in Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme, Kennedy can attack from multiple alignments — standing up, wide-9, over tight ends — and focus on what he does best: getting after quarterbacks. His ability to force negative plays off the edge is essential to returning FSU’s defense to a conference-title level.
What they’re saying: “When Rylan went in the portal, we watched his tape and we admired his ability and how he played. He’s a good athlete, had some production disrupting the quarterback and in our research and vetting process, we determined that he was the right kind of guy.” — John Garrett, GM of player personnel
Top newcomer: QB Alberto Mendoza (Indiana transfer)
Why: Georgia Tech is turning the page from the Haynes King era and one of the most prolific stretches in school history. King was a rugged dual threat who led all ACC rushers in touchdowns (15) and was fifth in rushing yards (953). Now, the Yellows Jackets’ quarterback room has virtually no experience and a new offensive coordinator, George Godsey, coming from the NFL. The Yellow Jackets return a strong backfield headlined by running back Jamal Haynes and some explosive receivers, but Graham Knowles, Grady Adamson and Ben Guthrie have almost no live reps, and Cole Bergeron just signed in the 2026 class. Without a functional quarterback, the impact of Georgia Tech’s promising supporting cast will be capped. Mendoza gives Tech at least one option who has taken snaps in the fire.
What to expect: Expect some early growing pains, but also real upside. Mendoza flashed in relief of his brother, Fernando, at Indiana in 2025, completing 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns while adding 180 rushing yards and a score in six games. He’ll be the best runner in Tech’s quarterbacks room, and it’s reasonable to think the Yellow Jackets still want the quarterback to be a serious threat on the ground even in a new system. If Mendoza wins the job, Tech needs him to mirror what Julian Sayin did at Ohio State last fall: Limit mistakes, use his legs as a weapon and steadily grow into the role with reps. In a wide-open competition, his combination of experience and mobility makes him critical to keeping the offense on schedule.
What they’re saying: “‘Berto is the ultimate football junkie. … He’s been a part of a championship program, he’s seen what it takes. He’s taken a lot from his older brother, but I think he’s just wired that way too.
“On the field, we saw his play last year and what he was able to do when he was called upon. The way he throws, what he’s good at throwing. His ability to evade a rush and make plays with his feet. It all really fits where I want to take our offense and the team.” — Brent Key, head coach
Top newcomer: QB Lincoln Kienholz (Ohio State transfer)
Why: This is one of the most fascinating portal swings in the country. Jeff Brohm has hit three straight times on experienced transfer quarterbacks — Jack Plummer, Tyler Shough and Miller Moss — and that veteran presence has stabilized Louisville’s rise. The Cardinals still return plenty of talent from a solid backfield that ranked third in the ACC in yards per carry (5.1) and several proven pass catchers, but their passing game was middle-of-the-road in 2025, and there’s no clear experienced successor for Moss. Kienholz is the opposite profile. He’s a high-upside, athletic player with virtually no college sample size. The Cardinals are trying to remain in the ACC and playoff conversation, so getting the quarterback decision right is everything. Kienholz could determine whether this is a reload or a reset year.
What to expect: A shrug emoji might be the best answer right now. When Ohio State took Kienholz out of South Dakota, the Buckeyes saw a terrific all-around athlete who could help at multiple spots. He got buried in a deep quarterbacks room with Kyle McCord, Will Howard, Devin Brown and then Julian Sayin, and he has just 36 career pass attempts. The physical tools are there, but it’s not an immediate fit with Brohm’s detailed, timing-based system, and there’s real work to do. Keep an eye on West Georgia transfer Davin Wydner as a dark horse contender after playing well for the Bulldogs. Louisville has taken calculated quarterback bets before, but this one carries more variance than the last three hits.
What they’re saying: “When I say he’s a good athlete and can run, it shows up. When we’re doing conditioning drills, he’s in the front. That’s with everybody.
“He wants to run the ball as well. You got to make sure you get your quarterback through the season healthy, and then he can play the entire season. But that is going to be a strength of his: his ability to run escape, maybe a few more design runs as well, where we’re making sure we’re utilizing his legs. I think his ability to extend the play is going to be there. I think he has a good arm.” — Jeff Brohm, head coach
Top newcomer: QB Darian Mensah (Duke transfer)
Why: Miami is trying to go three-for-three on portal quarterbacks after hitting on Cam Ward (2024) and Carson Beck (2025). Mensah is the perfect balance of both. He’s physically and mentally ready.The Hurricanes return real firepower at receiver and running back, plus a more seasoned offensive line. The depth chart at quarterback was extremely thin once Beck moved on, with only inexperienced options and no proven starter. When Mensah, fresh off leading Duke to an ACC title, entered the portal at the buzzer to go to Miami, the Canes’ ceiling changed overnight. Without him, the Canes would be in a similar position to Georgia Tech with a talented roster yet no trustworthy trigger man.
What to expect: Big things. Mensah is a gamer, an athlete and a proven winner. In 2025, he threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns and just six interceptions. With Miami’s personnel around him and the staff’s recent track record developing talent, Mensah should flourish. The fact that his favorite target at Duke, Cooper Barkate, also transferred to Miami only boosts the comfort level. If the offensive line holds up, Mensah has all the tools and supporting cast to keep the Hurricanes squarely in the national title conversation.
What they’re saying: “The window is now. Mensah has the right demeanor for Miami. He’s a winner and he’s been there before. He makes everyone around him better. He’s done it with all different talent levels, and this will be the most talent to date.” — Dennis Smith, Executive director of football
Top newcomer: OLB/Edge Harvey Dyson (Tulane transfer)
Why: NC State is quietly replacing a lot of front-seven production from a defense that already needed to improve after allowing the second-most yards (5,355) in the ACC last year. Between Sabastian Harsh, Brandon Cleveland and Travali Price, the Wolfpack lose eight combined sacks off their front, as well as productive linebacker Caden Fordham and the versatile Cian Slone. A few rotational defensive linemen and linebackers return, but none have put together a season anywhere close to Dyson’s 2025 output. NC State needed a defender who could fill multiple roles: Pressure off the edge, hold up in space and plug some of the run fits vacated at linebacker. Dyson checks all those boxes and arrives with ready-made disruption stats after his pass-rushing markers all took a massive step forward in his one season at Tulane.
What to expect: Dyson should be one of the more productive defensive newcomers in the ACC. At Tulane last season he posted eight sacks, 14 hurries, 11.5 tackles for loss and 36 tackles. He’s a high-motor, scheme-versatile player who can rush as a true edge or stand up and play off the ball. Dyson consistently takes good angles, hits his run fits and lives on the opponent’s side of the line of scrimmage. Given NC State’s losses both on the edge and at linebacker, Dyson effectively fills two roles in one player. The next step is raising his overall tackle numbers to match his disruptive impact.
What they’re saying: “The development of Cian Slone and Sabastian Harsh last season was proof of concept that our defensive staff could take portal players with specific traits and put them in a position to maximize their potential. … Harvey fits into that same mold. When you turn on the film, his twitchiness and ability to disrupt jump off the tape, last year’s results prove he can be a difference-maker. … He has a strong desire to compete and continue proving himself at a higher level.” — Andy Vaughn, GM
Top newcomer: WR CJ Sadler (2026 Signee)
Why: The Tar Heels’ 13 passing touchdowns in 2025 were the fewest among all ACC offenses, and only Virginia Tech finished with fewer passing yards. UNC returns some experience and speed at receiver on the outside with Jordan Shipp (60 receptions, 671 yards and six touchdowns) but lacks depth and playmakers out of the slot. Sadler is a small but deceptively strong quick-twitch athlete, which allows him to not only avoid tackles but break them. He’s dangerous and dynamic with the ball in hands and will find the end zone. Michigan’s Mr. Football accounted for 32 total touchdowns while catching 65 passes for 1,583 yards as a senior. He sees the field extremely well and has the suddenness to create explosive plays Year 1 in the ACC. He’s also smart and coachable and will acclimate quickly to the college game.
What to expect: Sadler should begin his career as a return weapon and work his way into packages as a screen and reverse threat. He’ll become an asset for whoever wins the Tar Heels’ quarterback job because of his great yards-after-catch potential as an underneath target. If Western Carolina transfer Taron Dickens wins the job, Sadler will complement him well under new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who has a history of maximizing athletic quarterbacks who can spread the field and stress defenses. The jump from the FCS to the ACC is steep, but if UNC leans into his strengths, Dickens could be a smaller version of Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, whom Petrino coached last season, and Sadler could be that guy who exploits space in the prolific offensive scheme.
Top Newcomer: TE Carson Kent (Oklahoma transfer)
Why: Sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel is talented enough to lead the Panthers back to championship levels and adding the right pieces around him is paramount. Their tight end room is quite bare after losing Justin Holmes and Jake Overman to graduation and Malachi Thomas to LSU. Those three combined for 51 catches in 2025. Max Hunt provides some depth, but Kent has the most game experience and is a quality option for Pitt’s 11-personnel package. He checks all the physical boxes required by the Panthers’ offense. Kent is a strong in-line blocker in run-heavy sets and a reliable, big checkdown option in the passing game. After Heintschel’s encouraging play as a freshman, finding the right fit at tight end is integral to expanding the offense.
What to expect: Kent to emerge as Heintschel’s dependable safety valve and high efficiency option on play-action. This connection should cut down on the QB’s turnovers in Year 2 as well. He is a physical blocker as well, and the run game will benefit from that strength. Originally a Kennesaw State signing back in 2022, he transferred to Oklahoma and appeared in all 13 games in 2025. Kent played in 20 games (15 starts) over the previous two seasons at Kennesaw State and caught 32 passes while showing reliable hands, earning second team All-Conference USA honors in 2024. With 34 games of experience and a lack of depth otherwise at tight end, Kent is primed for his best season statistically and should have more room to flourish as a pass-catching option in 2026 with Pitt.
What they’re saying: “Carson’s a Pitt tight end. He’s big, he’s tough, and he’s physical at the point of attack. He’s the type of guy who enjoys blocking as much as catching the football, and that’s exactly what you want. But he’s also got really good athleticism for a guy his size. He can stretch the seam, make plays in the passing game and give us a real weapon offensively. What I love most is his mindset and who he is. He shows up every day ready to work, and he plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played.” — Pat Narduzzi, Head coach
Top newcomer: DE Ira Singleton (South Florida transfer)
Why: SMU has quietly built one of the game’s more disruptive defensive fronts over the past two seasons. The Mustangs finished third in the ACC in sacks and led the conference in interceptions (18), a byproduct of their front seven ratcheting up the pressure. Now, however, that group is getting gutted. The Mustangs lose five of their top six defensive linemen, including their top two pressure players, Cameron Robertson and Isaiah Smith. A handful of depth pieces return, but there’s no obvious heir as a double-digit-TFL, front-line edge presence. Singleton, a long, athletic pass rusher who flew under the radar at USF, is a classic SMU “developmental hit” candidate.
What to expect: SMU has consistently exceeded defensive expectations by developing undervalued linemen, and Singleton fits that mold. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds with length and agility, he already looks the part. Last season, he posted 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks in a rotational role for the Bulls. The next step is translating traits into consistent production with starter-level snaps. If the Mustangs’ track record holds, Singleton could grow into their next primary edge disruptor and help keep this defense from regressing despite heavy turnover.
What they’re saying: “Ira Singleton is one of the more intriguing defensive prospects we evaluated. What stands out immediately is his length and explosive first step off the edge. He has natural bend and doesn’t strain turning the corner, which allows him to consistently pressure tackles. At South Florida last season, he showed many intriguing traits, the ability to extend, control and fight through perimeter blocks while remaining disruptive. Against the run, he uses leverage and flexibility to shoot gaps and get underneath blockers. He’s athletic, plays with active hands and can create disruption with an explosive bull rush and twist ability.” — J.R. Sandlin, GM
Top newcomer: WR Zion Robinson (2026 signee)
Why: Stanford needs upgrades across the board. The Cardinal’s passing offense graded among the worst across FBS in 2025, so new head coach and former quarterback Tavita Pritchard has plenty of retooling to do, and the program will always face limitations in the transfer portal because of its academic profile. That makes high school hits even more important, and Robinson is one of the most talented prospects to pick Stanford in recent years. The Cardinal bring back some possession receivers and tight ends, and added Yale transfer Nico Brown in the slot, but they’ve lacked a true outside alpha since the days of J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Simi Fehoko. They still needed a big, vertical outside target for whomever wins the quarterback job. Robinson is that player. He can fit nicely on the outside and contribute in all three phases of the passing game.
What to expect: Robinson is a big, fast, physical talent in the mold of former Virginia/Notre Dame standout Malachi Fields. He gives Stanford a legitimate deep threat on the outside and is also dangerous with the ball in his hands for his size. He showed maturity and playmaking at the Under Armour All-America Game and shouldn’t face a steep learning curve in a pro-style system that leans on contested catches and precise routes. The key will be getting him the ball. One of Charlie Mirer, Dylan Rizk, Davis Warren or freshman Michael Mitchell Jr. must emerge to provide stability under center. If one does, Robinson has the tools to be the focal point of Stanford’s passing game from Day 1.
What they’re saying: “Zion is a dynamic player and a dynamic young man. He possesses some really unique physical traits, including toughness. We’re really excited to watch him compete.” — Andrew Luck, GM
Top newcomer: OLB/Edge Keyshawn Johnson (UT Martin transfer)
Why: Syracuse’s back end is in good shape, returning multiple starters and depth in the secondary, but the front seven took a big hit. The Orange lost five of their top six performers along the defensive front, including David Reese and Kevin Jobity Jr., who combined for eight sacks. A few rotational linemen and linebackers return but have yet to show they can consistently win one-on-one as pass rushers. Syracuse finished third-to-last in the ACC in sacks and tied Boston College for the highest average yards allowed per play (6.5) within the conference. The Orange needed a true one-on-one pass-rush winner to spark the front and turn pressures into actual negative plays. Johnson brings that résumé from the FCS level.
What to expect: He might not be the tallest, but he’s built like a truck and super flexible and twitchy. Expect a noticeable uptick in negative plays. It’s unfair to mention Dwight Freeney in the same breath, but there will be a resemblance for Cuse fans. Johnson was dominant off the edge for UT Martin the past two seasons, earning OVC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 with a school-record 13.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. Over two years, he totaled 77 tackles, 24 TFLs and 17 sacks. His ability to win quickly and consistently as a pass rusher should immediately stress ACC tackles, though he will see a major jump in competition. If he adjusts to the speed and strength of Power 4 offensive lines, Johnson can be the missing piece that allows Syracuse’s strong secondary to play more aggressively behind a reinvigorated pass rush.
Top newcomer: RB Jekail Middlebrook (Middle Tennessee State transfer)
Why: Virginia had the third-most rushing yards and touchdowns in the ACC last season, but it loses a major chunk of its production with J’Mari Taylor’s departure (1,064 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns) and returns limited proven performers behind running back Xavier Brown. Brown has flashed but hasn’t yet handled a full season as a true workhorse, and the rest of the backfield is young and untested. The Cavaliers needed more than just a traditional back. They needed a true all-purpose threat who could replace touches in both the run and pass game. Middlebrook, who will have two years of eligibility alongside Tennessee transfer Peyton Lewis, is exactly that type of Swiss Army knife.
What to expect: Offensive coordinator Des Kitchings now has a movable matchup problem in the backfield. Middlebrook rushed for 752 yards in 2025 and also caught 40 passes, scoring seven combined touchdowns. He’s at his best in space and should see snaps as a running back, slot back and utility weapon on jet sweeps and bubble screens. Expect Virginia to hunt mismatches on linebackers and some safeties in the open field. In an offense trying to replace Taylor’s versatility, Middlebrook can keep the playbook open and give the Cavs a modern space player to build around.
What they’re saying: “We’ve already seen flashes of Jekail’s versatility and high football IQ. … He’s a quick learner that can contribute on all three downs while also providing value on special teams. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield was very attractive to us in the evaluation process, and we believe he can make a difference in that phase. He has also showed an ability to create explosive plays.” — Justin Speros, Assistant GM
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Grunkemeyer finds Rappleyea to extend Penn State’s lead
Ethan Grunkemeyer finds a wide-open Andrew Rappleyea, who brings in a touchdown for Penn State.
Top newcomer: QB Ethan Grunkemeyer (Penn State transfer)
Why: Every rebuild starts with stabilizing the quarterback position. James Franklin knows precisely what Virginia Tech is getting because he recruited and coached Grunkemeyer at Penn State. The former Under Armour All-American was thrown into the fire when Drew Allar was injured in 2025 and essentially got a 10-game audition for this portal cycle. The Hokies have upgraded their receiver and tight end rooms via the portal but have cycled through uneven quarterback play for three straight seasons. They also added quality depth with UNC transfer Bryce Baker and SC Next 300 prospect Troy Huhn, but Grunkemeyer is the one with Big Ten reps and tape against top competition. He ended the year on a high note (and limited turnovers) with his two highest-graded passing performances against Nebraska and Rutgers in the final two weeks of the season.
What to expect: Stability. Grunkemeyer completed 69% of his passes last season and threw eight touchdowns, an impressive showing for a player who had barely seen the field before. Virginia Tech hit the portal hard and added multiple offensive pieces, including former Nittany Lion tight end Luke Reynolds, so the talent around him will be better than what recent Hokies quarterbacks have had. After three years of woefully inconsistent quarterback play in Blacksburg, Grunkemeyer projects as a clear upgrade. He’s efficient, accurate and familiar with the demands of Power 4 football. He might not be a superstar, but he gives this rebuild a real foundation.
Top newcomer: RB Sawyer Seidl (North Dakota Transfer)
Why: Replacing Demond Claiborne’s production is a massive task. Claiborne totaled 558 carries for 2,599 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns, plus 55 receptions for 424 yards and two scores. Wake returns some snaps and yards from complementary backs, but no one on the roster has come close to matching Claiborne’s volume or versatility as a runner and receiver. Seidl’s skill set gives the Demon Deacons a chance to replace a lot of that two-way impact. He’s built more like a slot receiver than a traditional power back, so usage will matter, but his versatility is exactly what Wake’s multiple offense demands.
What to expect: Seidl has size limitations at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, but he’s at his best on inside and outside zone runs where he can press, cut back and exploit creases. He rushed for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and added 19 catches and four more scores as a receiver. Wake Forest will move him around in the backfield, in the slot and on motion to stress matchups and manufacture space touches. He might not replicate Claiborne’s raw volume, but as a utility weapon in a creative scheme, Seidl can keep Wake’s offense dangerous, diverse and multiple without becoming one dimensional.
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