Athlon Ranks Dave Doeren as the ACC’s No. 8 Head Coach Entering 2026

Athlon Sports recently released its preseason ranking of ACC football head coaches heading into the 2026 season, and NC State’s Dave Doeren checked in at No. 8.

The ranking places Doeren squarely in the middle of the conference despite a tenure that has produced one of the ACC’s most consistently successful programs over the last decade.

Athlon’s 2026 Preseason ACC Coach Rankings

1. Mario Cristobal, Miami
2. Dabo Swinney, Clemson
3. James Franklin, Virginia Tech
4. Jeff Brohm, Louisville
5. Rhett Lashlee, SMU
6. Brent Key, Georgia Tech
7. Manny Diaz, Duke
8. Dave Doeren, NC State
9. Pat Narduzzi, Pitt
10. Tony Elliott, Virginia
11. Mike Norvell, Florida State
12. Jake Dickert, Wake Forest
13. Fran Brown, Syracuse
14. Bill Belichick, North Carolina
15. Bill O’Brien, Boston College
16. Tosh Lupoi, California
17. Tavita Pritchard, Stanford

Athlon’s Take on Doeren

Here’s what Athlon had to say about Doeren as he heads into Year 14.

Consistent success is the best way to sum up Doeren’s tenure in Raleigh. Since taking over in 2013, the Wolfpack are 95-70 under his watch. NC State has only two losing records over the last 12 years and has qualified for 11 bowl games since ‘14. Doeren has yet to guide NC State to double-digit victories in a season or a trip to the ACC title game. However, winning at least eight games in seven out of the last eight years is a solid resume entering ‘26. (Athlon)