The ACC always delivers chaos, and the 2026 football season has been no different. One month into the season and entering the thick of conference play, the Preferred Walk-Ons Podcast takes stock of the biggest surprises so far in the ACC and debate which team is best suited to compete with Miami for the conference title. Plus, as the hosts do every week in the fall, the show provides predictions and analysis for every ACC game coming up this weekend.

In this episode:

  • The most surprising ACC teams the first month of the season (0:00-14:25)
  • Which ACC football team is second best behind Miami (14:25-20:10)
  • Picks and previews for every Week 5 ACC football game (20:10-54:24)
  • Other national games of interest this weekend (54:24-59:04)

TheSabre.com presents The Preferred Walk-Ons Podcast, a college sports podcast through the lens of the ACC. Michael McGraw, a University of Virginia graduate and fan, and Michael Shutt, a life-long NC State fan, both grew up watching the ACC and have insights on the history and present of the conference.

You can always email the show at [email protected]. You can also follow the show on Twitter or Instagram (@PWOPod). Make sure to listen here and subscribe on your favorite podcast app!