The Miami Hurricanes are positioned as the frontrunners for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title in the upcoming 2026 season, according to ESPN's Bill Connelly. Projected to finish eighth nationally, Miami boasts an average win total of 9.8 and a 99.9% chance of achieving at least six victories. Connelly estimates the Hurricanes will secure 7.5 wins in conference play, significantly ahead of second-place SMU at 6.0. A crucial factor in Miami's favor is their schedule, which allows them to avoid facing two other top-30 teams, Louisville and SMU. This strategic advantage positions them well in a competitive conference landscape. The addition of quarterback Darian Mensah from Duke, who had an impressive season with 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns, further strengthens their offense. Notable players like Malachi Toney and running back Mark Fletcher Jr. are also expected to play pivotal roles in the team's success. Miami aims to capitalize on their near championship experience from last season as they kick off their 2026 campaign against Stanford on September 4.