2021 ACC football season preview: Predicted order of finish, best players, breakout stars

Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

2021 is designed to be Sam Howell’s. The North Carolina offense is his to lead as a junior, ready to build off two terrific years as the starting quarterback in Chapel Hill. His jump to a 68.1 completion percentage was NFL-esque, and a combined 14 interceptions in two seasons is evident of his turnover control.

These two seasons should have Howell ready for an even bigger jump, but losing a skill player like Michael Carter, among others, will test this Heisman hopeful. Relying on sophomore Josh Downs, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, is a likely outcome, and if he becomes a go-to player, life will be easier for Howell.

Being the ACC Offensive Player of the Year assumes the Tar Heel signal-caller will find his way in 2021. He has a soft schedule, with the exceptions of Miami and Notre Dame, to build upon, so there is every chance for the newcomers to work their way in and become comfortable. The results should be great.

Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Hey, look, another dominant Clemson defensive lineman. Actually, this team has two to watch for in 2021, with Bryan Bresee the other after a promising true freshman season.

Myles Murphy works the edge and will be wreaking havoc on the ACC throughout the year. He made 37 tackles, 10.5 of which for a loss, accumulated four sacks and forced three fumbles in 2020, using his powerful 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame to work offensive linemen in either pass rushing or run-stuffing situations.

The former five-star recruit might just be a sophomore, but he is great enough to take the leap and break out into the conference’s best defensive player. The talent is that good, especially with Dabo Swinney needing a fresh look after what Ohio State did in the College Football Playoff.

Murphy is going to co-hold down the Clemson defense for the next seasons, before finding his way in the top five of the 2023 NFL Draft. 2022 will be the showcase year, but 2021 is the time for college football fans to learn how great this player is.

Breakout Player: Devin Leary, QB, NC State

Murphy could be called the actual “breakout player,” but expectations are already high for him. NC State quarterback Devin Leary is someone who’s been waiting to take a step forward, finally receiving the chance to in 2021.

Injuries halted Leary’s 2020 to just four games. His completion percentage jumped 12 points from 2019 beforehand, though, and committing just two turnovers limited the Wolfpack’s mistakes.

Ready to improve again, Leary has a full year’s worth of play ahead. He has a strong offensive lineman to work behind and Devin Carter and Porter Rooks as intriguing threats at wide receiver. Pieces are in place for a strong junior season, and the job is his to run with, as backups Brian Finley and Aaron McLaughlin both aren’t ready.

Expect a jump from Leary from his abbreviated season. NC State needs it to break apart from a clustered group behind Clemson, and it could sneak them into a decent bowl game this winter.

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