Miami, Florida State freshmen headline ACC names to watch
CBS Sports says several ACC first-year players have a real shot at early roles in 2026, with Miami, Florida State and Clemson among the teams to watch.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Miami’s new left tackle may be a freshman, and CBS Sports is already treating that as one of the ACC’s biggest early-season storylines.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports, citing conversations with sources around the conference, identified first-year players who made noise in spring practice and could get on the field quickly in 2026. The list spans blue-chip linemen, return-game sparks, defensive backs and pass catchers walking into open depth charts.
Miami has two names in the mix
Jackson Cantwell, Miami’s high-profile offensive tackle signee, is the most prominent name on the board. According to CBS Sports, Cantwell is expected to take over at left tackle after the Hurricanes lost talent up front to the NFL Draft. He also earned first-team work during spring practice.
Miami also has safety JJ Dunnigan pushing for early snaps. CBS Sports reported that Dunnigan, listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, has drawn attention in Coral Gables after arriving as the top-ranked 2026 player from Kansas. The Hurricanes signed the ACC’s top recruiting class, ranked No. 8 nationally, with Dunnigan rated as their sixth-highest signee.
Florida State has receiver options
At Florida State, Jasen Lopez is the freshman name to circle. CBS Sports reported that Lopez, who came from the Seminoles’ basketball team, worked as a punt returner in spring and got into the wide receiver rotation.
The Seminoles have other freshmen drawing notice, too. CBS Sports named Devin Carter as another receiver creating buzz, while cornerback Chuck Kennon was mentioned by sources. One Florida State source told CBS Sports the freshman receivers have a cleaner path to playing time because of the Seminoles’ secondary depth.
Receivers are everywhere
Clemson’s Naeem Burroughs could find room in the slot under Chad Morris, according to CBS Sports. Dabo Swinney has compared Clemson’s 2026 receiver group to the program’s 2011 haul, which included future All-ACC standout Sammy Watkins.
NC State’s Tyreek Copper arrives with numbers that pop. CBS Sports reported that Copper set North Carolina single-season state records with 2,245 receiving yards and 33 touchdown catches on 105 receptions at Kinston High School. He joins a Wolfpack offense that lost much of its playmaking production beyond quarterback CJ Bailey.
Stanford’s Zion Robinson is another receiver with a clear runway. CBS Sports described Robinson as the centerpiece of Tavita Pritchard’s first recruiting class and the Cardinal’s only signee ranked among the nation’s top 250 prospects. Stanford general manager Andrew Luck has praised Robinson’s maturity and toughness, according to CBS Sports.
Defense gets fresh help
Virginia Tech cornerback Amauri Polydor, a Baltimore native from St. Frances Academy, has earned chances despite James Franklin’s usual preference for redshirting freshmen, CBS Sports reported. The Hokies flipped him from Penn State after beating out several Power Four programs.
Duke edge rusher Obinna Umeh could help the defending ACC champions generate more pressure on third down. CBS Sports called him one of Duke’s two four-star signees and said he has the athletic tools to work into the rotation.
Louisville safety Jordan Vann began spring behind Koen Entringer and Micah Rice at strong safety, according to CBS Sports, but stood out as one of the Cardinals’ hardest hitters. Syracuse linebacker Gemaus Sackie also made his case early, winning the Orange’s spring defensive MVP award and positioning himself to avoid a redshirt.
North Carolina’s C.J. Sadler rounds out the group as one of 40 signees in Bill Belichick’s first recruiting class. CBS Sports reported that the 5-foot-9, 185-pound athlete fits Bobby Petrino’s quick passing game and should also factor into the return game.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.