ACC games have produced 28 second-half lead changes, 16 fourth-quarter lead changes and 16 one-possession finishes. Let's take a look at some of the players that have defined such an interesting season so far.
The Halfway Heisman
Winner: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Mensah has thrown for 1,764 yards, 18 touchdowns and one interception, producing a 203.9 passer rating and an 80.8% completion percentage. He ranks among the national leaders in efficiency metrics and has guided Miami to a 6-0 record and the No. 1 ranking. The redshirt junior, a transfer from Duke, has established himself as the best QB in the conference.
The Human Cheat Code Award
Winner: Malachi Toney, WR, Miami
Toney has 50 receptions for 758 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 15.2 yards per catch and ranking near the top nationally in catches and yards. The sophomore has produced at least 100 receiving yards in four of six games and has already climbed multiple Miami career receiving leaderboards.
The One-Man Offense Award
Winner: Nate Sheppard, RB, Duke
Sheppard has rushed for 820 yards and eight touchdowns on 138 carries while adding 28 receptions for 259 yards and four touchdowns. His 179.8 all-purpose yards per game lead the nation. The sophomore has carried the largest share of any ACC offense, totaling 166 touches through six games as Duke sits at 4-2.
The Defensive Heisman
Winner: Xavier Lewis, DL, North Carolina
Lewis has 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks through six games, with both rates ranking among the national leaders. He earned Associated Press midseason All-America first-team honors and has been a primary reason North Carolina, picked 15th in the preseason media poll, sits at 4-2 and 2-1 in conference play.
The Transfer Portal Redemption Award
Winner: Gio Lopez, QB, Wake Forest
After a difficult 2025 season at North Carolina, Lopez has accounted for 23 total touchdowns (17 passing, six rushing) against one interception at Wake Forest. He has thrown for 1,947 yards while completing 67.6% of his passes and has been named ACC Quarterback of the Week three times.
The "Please Stop Throwing at Him" Award
Winner: Kingston Lopa, DB, California
Lopa is tied for the national lead with five interceptions and has returned them for 104 yards and a touchdown. Louisville's Kaleb Beasley also has five interceptions.
The "What More Do You Want From Me?" Award
Winner: Ashton Daniels, QB, Florida State
Florida State is 3-4, but Daniels has accounted for 23 total touchdowns (11 passing, 11 rushing). He produced five touchdowns in the 43-35 double-overtime loss to Miami and has been the Seminoles' most consistent offensive threat.
The "Somebody Get This Guy Some Help" Award
Winner: Umari Hatcher, WR, Syracuse
Syracuse is 2-4 and winless in ACC play, yet Hatcher has 50 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. Over his past three games he has totaled 33 catches for 502 yards and five scores, including 13 receptions for 224 yards in a 34-26 loss to Louisville.
The "Are You Sure He’s a Freshman?" Award
Winner: Javian Mallory, RB, Miami
Mallory, a true freshman, has rushed for 397 yards and five touchdowns on 52 carries, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt. Against Florida State he gained 108 yards and scored twice, including the 25-yard touchdown that sent the game to double overtime. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week after that performance and has already assumed a significant role in Miami's backfield.
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