After finishing 14-19 with only three ACC victories in coach Jeff Capel’s first year, Pitt has been picked to finish 10th in the 15-team conference this season, according to preseason media rankings released Thursday.

Four starters return for Pitt, including Xavier Johnson (15.5 points per game), Trey McGowens (11.6), Au’Diese Toney and Terrell Brown. Johnson was named to the All-ACC Freshman team last season while setting seven Pitt freshman records.

Duke was picked to win the conference, with 51 first-place votes among the 111 ballots. North Carolina was second with 19, followed by Louisville (29) and defending national champion Virginia (12). Florida State, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Miami and Pitt complete the top 10. Clemson, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest comprise the bottom five.

Duke and North Carolina had two players named to the preseason first and second teams. Duke’s Tre Jones and North Carolina’s Cole Anthony, also the preseason ACC Freshman of the Year, were named to the first team. Vernon Carey Jr. of Duke and Garrison Brooks of North Carolina were picked for the second team. The preseason Player of the Year is Louisville’s Jordan Nwora.

Get the latest news about Pitt football and all things Panthers athletics.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)