The Atlantic Coast Conference has revealed its midseason honors, spotlighting North Carolina State’s electrifying running back Hollywood Smothers as the league’s most surprising player and Georgia Tech’s dynamic quarterback Haynes King as the top offensive threat. These awards reflect a season of unexpected breakouts, coaching triumphs, and a resurgent Virginia program that has stunned the ACC.
As the college football season marches past its halfway point, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has recognized its standout performers and most surprising narratives. The Associated Press’s midseason honors shine a bright light on players who have exceeded expectations and teams that have defied preseason predictions, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the 2025 campaign.
Hollywood Smothers: The ACC’s Most Surprising Breakout Star
North Carolina State’s sophomore running back, Hollywood Smothers, has not just had a breakout season; he has redefined expectations, earning the title of the ACC’s Most Surprising Player. Smothers leads the conference in rushing with an impressive 739 yards, placing him third nationally. His explosive running game, averaging 105.6 yards per game and 6.6 yards per carry, has been a cornerstone of the Wolfpack’s offense.
N.C. State coach Dave Doeren expressed confidence in Smothers’ potential from last season. “I knew last season as the season wore on how explosive he was and that if he were to have the offseason we needed him to have and he would sustain his health that he would be what he is, what you are watching,” Doeren stated, highlighting the sophomore’s dedication. With four 100-yard games already under his belt, Smothers’ consistent performance has ignited fan excitement and established him as a premier talent in the league, vastly improving on his 571 yards in 2024.
Haynes King: Georgia Tech’s Dual-Threat Catalyst
Leading No. 12 Georgia Tech to a flawless 6-0 start, including a 3-0 record in conference play, senior quarterback Haynes King has been named the ACC’s Top Offensive Player. King’s dual-threat capabilities were on full display in their 35-20 home win over Virginia Tech, where he ran for two touchdowns. In that game, King completed 20 of 24 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, adding 60 rushing yards with scoring runs of 26 and 2 yards. For more details on this pivotal game, refer to the Associated Press coverage of the Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech matchup.
King’s significance extends beyond individual stats; he ranks second in the ACC in total offense, averaging 282.2 yards. His return from a two-game absence due to a right shoulder injury earlier in the season proved crucial. In a remarkable 28-23 upset over then-No. 4 Miami, King primarily operated as a runner, rushing for 93 yards and completing all six of his passes for just 32 yards, showcasing head coach Brent Key’s strategic adaptation. Key’s focus on a run-heavy, time-of-possession approach, even with a banged-up quarterback, highlights a strategic depth often missed by casual observers.
Coaching Excellence and Surprising Turnarounds
The ACC midseason awards also acknowledged remarkable coaching and team transformations:
- Top Coach: Tony Elliott (Virginia)
Elliott, who previously held an 11-23 record in his first three seasons and a best finish of 5-7 in 2024, has led No. 18 Virginia to a stunning 5-1 overall record (3-0 ACC). Virginia’s unexpected rise, including victories over a ranked Florida State team and an unbeaten Louisville, helped Elliott edge out Georgia Tech’s Brent Key for the top coaching honor. This success has propelled Virginia into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2019.
- Most Surprising Team: Virginia
Virginia swept the voting for the league’s biggest surprise. Predicted to finish 14th in the preseason poll, their dominant start has captured the attention of the entire conference, highlighting a dramatic shift in team performance and morale.
Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, though narrowly missing the top coach award, has garnered significant praise for his leadership. His philosophy of focusing on “steak before sizzle” and cultivating a resilient team culture has resonated with fans and analysts alike, driving significant attendance increases and a palpable sense of excitement around the program.
Defensive Dominance and Freshman Impact
Beyond offensive fireworks, individual defensive prowess and emerging talent were also celebrated:
- Top Defensive Player: Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)
No. 2 Miami’s defense has been anchored by defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. His impressive stat line includes 26 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception, making him a dominant force on the defensive front.
- Top First-Year Freshman: Malachi Toney (Miami)
Wide receiver Malachi Toney has lived up to his top recruit billing, shining brightly for Miami. With 29 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns, Toney has been an instant impact player. A standout performance included seven catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns in Miami’s 28-22 victory over Florida State on October 4. Additional details about this game can be found in the Associated Press report on Miami vs. Florida State.
- Top First-Year Transfer: Chandler Morris (Virginia)
Virginia’s quarterback Chandler Morris, a well-traveled player from Oklahoma, Texas Christian, and North Texas, has found success with the Cavaliers. Earning two ACC Quarterback of the Week honors, Morris has passed for 1,428 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions, becoming a critical piece of Virginia’s surprising season.
The Season’s Major Ups and Downs
Not all midseason stories are triumphs; some highlight significant challenges:
- Most Disappointing Team: Florida State
Florida State edged out preseason favorite Clemson and North Carolina for the most disappointing team. With a 3-3 overall record and an 0-3 conference record, the Seminoles are carrying a three-game losing streak into their next matchup.
- Hottest Seat: Mike Norvell (Florida State)
FSU coach Mike Norvell finds himself back on the hot seat, a consequence of an eight-game losing streak in conference play. The Seminoles’ 2-10 finish in 2024, which led to the firing of both coordinators, set a difficult precedent. Fans can review the previous season’s challenges and coaching changes in the Associated Press report on Mike Norvell.
- Biggest Injury: Steve Angeli (Syracuse)
Syracuse suffered a major blow when coach Fran Brown announced on September 22 that quarterback Steve Angeli would miss the rest of the season due to a torn left Achilles tendon. Angeli’s injury occurred during a noncontact play in their 34-21 win at Clemson. Further details on Angeli’s injury are available from the Associated Press.
These midseason awards offer a snapshot of the ACC’s current landscape – a mix of surprising successes, dominant individual performances, and teams grappling with adversity. The second half of the season promises continued excitement as teams vie for conference championships and bowl berths.
