The 2023-24 college football campaign is finally approaching. The Clemson Tigers are eager to begin a conference-title-defending campaign after capturing the ACC Championship last season. Dabo Swinney’s Tigers defeated North Carolina by a convincing margin (39-10) in the ACC title game.

Clemson will face stiff competition this campaign. The likes of Pitt and Wake Forest have competed for recent titles. A reloaded Florida State squad also poses a threat.

It’s time to look toward some early futures for the impending college football campaign. BetOnline recently updated their odds for the ACC Championship winner. The odds shake out as follows:

Clemson (+105)
Florida State (+175)
North Carolina (+1000)
Louisville (+1200)
NC State (+1600)
Miami (+2200)
Pittsburgh (+2500)
Duke (+4000)
Wake Forest (+5000)
Syracuse (+6600)

THE FAVORITE: CLEMSON

Developmental quarterback Cade Klubnik takes over for D.J. Uiagalelei, who transferred to Oregon State. Klubnik raises the floor of Clemson’s offense. Swinney invested in Klubnik’s development by hiring offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who recently enjoyed successful stints at TCU and SMU.

Wes Goodwin’s elite defense will again be spearheaded by an abundance of talent. Eight starters are returning, which makes predicting dominance for this unit a straightforward projection. Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. may form college football’s most effective duo at linebacker.

Clemson is understandably BetOnline’s favorite to repeat as ACC champions. Swinney’s squad will contend. It’s worth acknowledging that Clemson’s actual goal will be to return to the College Football Playoff.

MY PICK: FLORIDA STATE

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is building something special in Tallahassee. The Seminoles have consistently improved throughout coach Norvell’s three seasons in charge. The upcoming campaign carries the potential to restore FSU to its yesteryears.

Quarterback Jordan Travis should lead an explosive offense. Travis threw for career highs in yards (3,214) and touchdowns (24) last season. With eight starters returning to an offense that ranked 16th nationally in scoring (36.1 per contest), Travis has veteran support at every position. Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman adds another playmaker to the receiving corps.

Norvell’s defense received a massive boost when Jared Verse passed on an opportunity to enter the 2023 NFL Draft and returned to the program. Pairing with Verse will be ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Patrick Payton. Several high-profile transfers have also entered the fray, including defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. from Miami.

Florida State poses a legitimate threat to Clemson’s dominance. I’m backing FSU to win the ACC.

DON’T SLEEP ON: NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina will be anxious to course-correct last season’s wrongs. Advancing to the ACC Championship qualified as an achievement, but an embarrassing 39-10 defeat to Clemson brought a bitter conclusion to their campaign. North Carolina isn’t a favorite to repeat last year’s success, but rostering quarterback Drake Maye makes anything possible.

The Reigning ACC Player of the Year, Maye has developed into one of the best quarterbacks, scratch that, players in college football. Replacing No. 1 receiver Josh Downs poses a challenge, but Georgia Tech transfer Nate McCollum and Kent State transfer Devontez Walker should help fill the void.

There are massive questions on the defensive side of the ball. Greater consistency is required if North Carolina is to compete alongside Clemson and Florida State. But Maye’s presence makes the Tar Heels one of the most intriguing programs in the nation.