3-Point Stance: Best ACC Linebackers, Teams Set Up to Win Now, Predicting the Big Ten Standings

National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance, ranking the ACC top-tier linebackers for next season, teams set up to win now, and Matt Perkins' Big Ten standings predictions.

Top ACC Linebacker Rooms

— On to the ACC for linebacker groups, as Clemson has arguably the best unit in all of college football.

1. Clemson

— Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter could be the best 1-2 punch combination in the country.

2. Florida State

— There aren’t a lot of big names here, and they lost a bit to the portal, but it’s a really solid group. Tatum Bethune will provide experience for a young group.

3. North Carolina

— This unit should be much improved, and Cedric Gray is one of the best in the conference.

4. Syracuse

— Marlowe Wax leads a sneaky strong group for the Orange.

5. NC State

— Payton Wilson is one of the best in the city conference, and there is depth and smarts here.

Teams Set Up to Win Now

— Which teams have to make hay this season? It’s not like they won’t have talent moving forward, but this could be the best chance in a bit for these teams to make a playoff run.

1. Michigan

— The Wolverines' roster is as stacked as it’s been in any year since Jim Harbaugh took over, and there are no weaknesses. Harbaugh has made his playoff runs, but a national title game appearance could happen this season.

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2. Florida State

— Jordan Travis is back, as is most of a potent offense, and with Clemson having QB question marks, this could be the year to win the ACC and make the playoff.

3. USC

— Malachi Nelson is great, but he’s not proven, so this last season with Caleb Williams could be the best chance in a while, especially with the Big Ten move.

4. LSU

— Recruiting talent is never an issue at LSU, but after last season, this team is focused on a playoff run in Brian Kelly’s second year, and Jayden Daniels is their best QB since Joe Burrow.

5. Notre Dame

— Notre Dame fans like to say they wouldn’t have lost any games last year with Sam Hartman under center. Let’s see if he’s the best QB they’ve had since Brady Quinn, as many think.

Predicting the Big 10

— And finally, here are Matt Perkins’ Big Ten predicted standings:

East:

1. Michigan

2. Penn State

3. Ohio State

4. Maryland

5. Michigan State

6. Rutgers

7. Indiana

Michigan has the most complete roster in the conference, and they should be able to 3-peat in the conference and make it back to the CFP. Drew Allar is a better option at quarterback than either Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, and because of that, I'll take the Nits over the Buckeyes. Maryland is the best of the rest, with a proven quarterback in Taulia Tagovailoa. The Spartans are in disarray after the departures of some key players this spring but still have enough talent to stay in front of Rutgers and Indiana.

West:

1. Wisconsin

2. Illinois

3. Iowa

4. Purdue

5. Nebraska

6. Minnesota

7. Northwestern

A new-look Badgers offense under Luke Fickell and OC Phil Longo should push the Badgers over the top in the weaker of the two divisions. Illinois and Iowa both return strong defenses and questionable offenses but should be competitive in every game. I'm really high on Purdue's ability to move the ball under new OC Graham Harrell and transfer quarterback Hudson Card. Matt Rhule's inaugural season at Nebraska will bring a lot of intrigue and a potential return to the postseason, something they didn't achieve under Scott Frost. Minnesota is thinner this season than they have been in recent years under PJ Fleck, while Northwestern is an absolute dumpster fire. It would be shocking to see them win a conference game this fall.