By Mike Huesmann
This article is part three of five where I go through each Power Four conference and the Group of 5 looking at coaches who have something to prove in 2025 and what exactly they have to prove. I started with the SEC, Big 12 was next, and here we look at the ACC.
Brent Pry, Virginia Tech
Can he make the Hokies more than just an average team?
We are in year four now for Pry and the results have not been up to par. Sixteen wins in three years is not going to be acceptable for the Hokies. He inherited a rough situation and won three games in 2022 and seven wins in 2023 In 2024 he had the most returning production in the P4 and still only managed six wins against a schedule that wasn’t great. If he doesn’t get nine, maybe eight, wins in 2025 I don’t think he sees 2026.
Brent Pry Spring Game Press Conference Pt. 1 pic.twitter.com/xamNrXhkdr
— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) April 12, 2025
Mario Cristobal, Miami
Can he get Miami to the playoffs?
Cristobal is in the same category as Lane Kiffin and Chris Klieman, who were featured in my previous articles. They are expected to take that next step and make the College Football Playoff. Anything short of that will not be considered a successful season, even more so in this case. I have been a big fan of Cristobal for a while, but he hasn’t exceeded expectations here. He had two poor seasons with the Canes, then last year they started 9-0 and somehow managed to blow it, miss the playoff, and lose three of their last four. Carson Beck struggled at Georgia, but he was still a solid portal addition. The expectation here is a playoff berth.
Strong words from Canes Head Coach Mario Cristobal in the wake of Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava's hold out-turned departure.
"If they wanna play hold out, they might as well play get out." pic.twitter.com/pqJZbIVqmk
— Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) April 12, 2025
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Dave Doeren, NC State
Was 2024 just a blip on the radar?
Readers of mine know I have praised Doeren for a long time. His consistency and stability at a school that didn’t have it before has been fantastic. He’s one of the more under appreciated coaches in the country. That being said, 2024 was a down year. Which is saying something about his progress because they still won six games and made a bowl game. We’ve come to expect eight or nine wins from the Wolfpack every season. Prior to 2024, he had accomplished that in six of seven seasons. Can NC State get back to what we’ve come to expect?
"Guys that were good players are taking it to another level leadership-wise. That's been a critical part of the spring."
Dave Doeren spoke about NC State's growth in the spring, installing a new offense and defense and Will Wade coming to State.https://t.co/ebM3QCilel
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) March 27, 2025
Mike Norvell, Florida State
Can he keep his job?
Last season was the worst season in memory for most of the Seminole faithful. Almost nothing went right and they were disjointed and noncompetitive. That was also a year removed from 13 wins and playoff debate. Norvell has won at two schools and clearly knows what he’s doing. That doesn’t happen by accident. That doesn’t mean he can turn around this situation.
He did make two solid coordinator hires. Tony White on defense comes over from Nebraska and on offense, Gus Malzahn left the head job at UCF, where they had the 14th-best offense in the nation last year. Thomas Castellanos was also brought in at QB from Boston College. I think it takes eight wins for Norvell to keep his job. That number seems attainable but isn’t a slam dunk. it doesn’t help him that a certain coach at Colorado is an alumnus here.
FSU Football held their lone spring practice (scrimmage) available to media today, and @Noles247 has you covered with the most in-depth coverage out there.
‘Nole Insider: Scrimmage Observations @BSonnone
🔗: https://t.co/qt30CLobWS5 Standouts (+2) from Scrimmage
🔗:… pic.twitter.com/LY49FAHC6A— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) April 5, 2025
Manny Diaz, Duke
Can Duke challenge for a playoff spot?
This question is less and less ridiculous the more I research it. In Diaz’ first year last season, the Blue Devils won nine regular season games. That’s not far off of what’s needed to get playoff consideration considering Clemson also had nine, won the conference and lost to Duke. Darian Mensah was a massive QB pickup from Tulane via the transfer portal. The schedule is also favorable. They do not play Louisville, Miami or SMU, three teams also in the race. I don’t know if I would bet on this but if they can win at Syracuse in September, they may be in the running for a while.
Manny Diaz’s coaching career has seen high highs and low lows.
He’s been fired. He’s rebuilt. He’s won big.
Now, he’s leading Duke into a new era — on his terms.
Holding the roster together. Redefining the culture.
And laying a foundation for sustained success.
On… pic.twitter.com/3tZNZHWI0o
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) April 3, 2025
