The 2019 ACC Football preseason predictions were released today, and Virginia Tech was picked by the media to finish third in the Coastal Division. The media picked Clemson to win the Atlantic Division, as well as the ACC championship.
Virginia's selection as the predicted Coastal Division winner is a remarkable about-face from the last five years. The Cavaliers were picked to finish last in the Coastal every year from 2014-2018. UVA opens the season with a road game at No. 4 pick Pitt, and they later play at No. 2 pick Miami as well, but they will host both Virginia Tech and Atlantic opponent Florida State this year.
2019 ACC Football Preseason Predictions Notes
In total, 173 ballots were cast, 25 more than last year, and every Coastal team received at least one first-place vote. Clemson received 170 votes for ACC champion, Syracuse received two, and Virginia received one.
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Virginia Tech has not been predicted to win the Coastal Division since the 2012 season. Pittsburgh won the division last year after being selected fifth in the preseason poll.
| Year | Preseason Pick | Champion (Preseason Pick) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-2022: Data is for Coastal Division Champion | ||
| 2005 | VT | VT (1st) |
| 2006 | Miami | Georgia Tech (3rd) |
| 2007 | VT | VT (1st) |
| 2008 | VT | VT (1st) |
| 2009 | VT | Georgia Tech (2nd) |
| 2010 | VT | VT (1st) |
| 2011 | VT | VT (1st) |
| 2012 | VT | Georgia Tech (2nd) |
| 2013 | Miami | Duke (7th) |
| 2014 | Miami | Georgia Tech (5th) |
| 2015 | Georgia Tech | North Carolina (5th) |
| 2016 | North Carolina | VT (4th) |
| 2017 | Miami | Miami (1st) |
| 2018 | Miami | Pittsburgh (5th) |
| 2019 | Virginia | Virginia (1st) |
| 2020 (no divisions) | Clemson (overall) | Clemson (1st) |
| 2021 | North Carolina | Pitt (4th) |
| 2022 | Miami | North Carolina (3rd) |
| 2023 Onward: No Divisions; Data is for ACC Regular-Season Champion | ||
| 2023 | Clemson | Florida State (2nd) |
| 2024 | Florida State | SMU (7th) |
| 2025 | Clemson | Virginia (14th) |
| 2026 | Miami | TBD |
