Who is playing in the ACC Championship game?

The ACC Championship game is between No. 18 Virginia and Duke.

What are the College Football Playoff implications for the ACC?

An upset in the ACC title game could lead to the conference being excluded from the expanded 12-team playoff.

When did Duke last win an ACC title?

Duke last shared the regular season ACC title in 1989.

Home / Sports / ACC Title Game: Upset Could Freeze Out Playoff Hopes

ACC Title Game: Upset Could Freeze Out Playoff Hopes

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

ACC title game features Virginia against Duke.
A Duke upset could prevent any ACC team from CFP.
Virginia and Duke aim to end long conference title droughts.

ACC Title Game: Upset Could Freeze Out Playoff Hopes

The Atlantic Coast Conference faces a precarious situation heading into championship weekend, with an upset in the ACC title game potentially leaving them out of the College Football Playoff. No. 18 Virginia clashes with Duke, a five-loss team that advanced via tie-breakers. A Duke victory could prevent any ACC team from earning an automatic playoff bid, a scenario no one desires.

Both Virginia and Duke are aiming to break long championship droughts. The Cavaliers haven't won the ACC since 1995, while Duke's last title was in 1989. Virginia recently defeated Duke soundly, but Duke's offense, led by quarterback Dariah Mensah, has shown a high-powered capability throughout the season.

The expanded 12-team playoff grants automatic bids to conference champions. With Duke unranked and other conference winners like James Madison and teams from the American Conference ranked higher, Virginia needs a win to likely secure an automatic spot. Miami, the ACC's highest-ranked team at No. 12, faces an uphill battle to make the playoff.