ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich 

After paying close attention this spring, visiting a few schools and talking with numerous players and coaches, I've come up with a new and improved ranking heading into summer camp. Agree or disagree, here it is:

1. Clemson - With 14 starters returning, this is obviously the team to beat, and everyone in the ACC knows it. Here's why: They've got the best quarterback in the league in Cullen Harper, and two bruising backs in James Davis and C.J. Spiller - not to mention a 1,000-yard receiver in Aaron Kelly. Sure, Tommy Bowden will tell you he's concerned about his offensive line, which lost four starters, but guess what? Davis and Spiller are talented enough to compensate for it. The only thing that will keep these guys from winning it all is themselves.

2. Wake Forest - If you haven't started believing in Jim Grobe yet, Wake up. He's the best coach in the league (sorry, Frank), and might have his best team with 16 starters returning. Quarterback Riley Skinner led the nation in completion percentage last year (72.4 percent), and Alphonso Smith is arguably one of the best corners in the country. He leads a deep and experienced defense. All four guys in the secondary return, and specialist Sam Swank will be chasing the ACC's career scoring record.

3. Maryland - Someone roll out the red carpet for James Franklin. Maryland fans and those within the program are thrilled with this hire and deservedly so. He recruited a fair amount of the Terps' top playmakers, and now he's back as offensive coordinator to teach them the West Coast offense - a system receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey should flourish in. Ralph Friedgen is more rested now that he's not doubling up as offensive coordinator. The main concern for these guys will be how wishy-washy Friedgen is on picking a quarterback. Chris Turner has already proven himself, but Jordan Steffy had a good spring and his time is winding down.

4. Florida State - Scheduling Western Carolina and Chattanooga for the first two games was no accident. With numerous players suspended for the first three games and Wake Forest No. 3 on the schedule, these guys are going to need some time to get it together. The Seminoles could be one of the better teams in the ACC, but isn't likely to grow into that role until the second half of the season. Unfortunately for them, that's when the schedule gets tough. The biggest problem here will be the offensive line, where there's not a junior or senior in sight for the first time in school history.

5. Boston College - This season will be tumultous without Matt Ryan, Andre Callender, Kevin Challenger, Jamie Silva and DeJuan Tribble - just to name a few. The good news? Offensive coordinator Steve Logan is still around. He knows what it takes to get newly annointed quarterback Chris Crane ready, and will tweak the offense to suit his strengths. The Eagles will likely struggle to develop their running game, though, as true freshman Josh Haden will be behind an offensive line that hasn't quite come together yet. BC's biggest strength will be its front seven on defense.

6. NC State - With only four starters back on defense and absolutely no answer at quarterback right now, it's a little too soon to be expecting a turnaround here. The one thing going in Tom O'Brien's favor is the return of tight end Anthony Hill and running back Toney Baker. Those guys, along with Andre Brown and Jamelle Eugene should help take some pressure off the quarterback. We'll see how O'Brien's revamped offensive line holds up for them, though.