The ACC announced that all 17 head coaches and more than 50 student-athletes will attend the three-day ACC Football Kickoff at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Day 1 will feature Florida State, Miami, NC State, Stanford and Virginia, with ACC Network coverage beginning at 9 a.m. ET. Mario Cristobal will be joined by running back Mark Fletcher Jr., quarterback Darian Mensah and linebacker Mohamed Toure.
Meet the 2026 ACC Kickoff Attendees: Day 1 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/3mFlid2RSZ
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) June 24, 2026
Fletcher enters 2026 as one of the ACC's most established backs after earning third-team All-ACC recognition last season. Mensah's appearance in Charlotte will put Miami's quarterback transition at the center of the day.
Biggest topics surrounding Miami going into the 2026 season
- Darian Mensah has to prove that he can raise the level of play at QB for Miami
- Miami has to replace four major offensive-line pieces.
- Malachi Toney could have a Heisman campaign season.
- The defensive line must replace Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Miami needs Ahmad Moten Sr., Armondo Blount, Justin Scott and Damon Wilson II to be able to do that.
- Corey Hetherman's defense has to show that last season's performance is the new standard.
- Miami's path to the CFP will go through difficult road trips to Clemson and Notre Dame.
FSU, NC State, Stanford and Virginia also join Miami on Day of ACC Kickoff
Florida State will open the event with coach Mike Norvell, quarterback Ashton Daniels, defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls and wide receiver Duce Robinson.
NC State follows with coach Dave Doeren, Miami native and Chaminade-Madonna product CJ Bailey, running back Jayden "Duke" Scott and defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley.
Stanford brings coach Tavita Pritchard, running back Micah Ford, safety Jay Green and quarterback Davis Warren. Pritchard is entering his first season as head coach.
Virginia closes Day 1 with coach Tony Elliott, offensive lineman McKale Boley, quarterback Beau Pribula and linebacker Kam Robinson.
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