It’s a rather quiet week as far as headlining matchups go, but the ACC never fails to have its fair share of intriguing games and names to highlight each weekend. From No. 19-ranked Louisville hosting Georgia Tech, to No. 8 Miami on the road at South Florida, there are players to circle all over Saturday’s slate of football.
Here are five names to keep an eye on as Week 4 in the ACC kicks off.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
vs. South Florida
What To Look For: It’s another week for Cam Ward to raise his Heisman profile. While South Florida won’t be looked upon as one of the country’s stingiest defenses, another high-level performance from Ward will continue to elevate his draft stock. Through three games, Ward has totaled 1,034 passing yards, good for second in the country behind Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, and 11 TDs (first in the country) compared to just one interception.
Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
vs. Middle Tennessee
What To Look For: One of the ACC’s premier tackles thus far in 2024, Brian Parker II has begun to generate some buzz within league circles. In 127 pass pro snaps, he’s failed to allow a pressure or a QB hit and is someone whose positional versatility has remained a talking point with experience at both tackle spots. The cousin of former Duke basketball standout and NBA first-rounder Derick Lively II, Parker is a name to keep an eye on as the weeks progress.
Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami
vs. South Florida
What To Look For: A transfer to the Hurricanes after four seasons at Tennessee, Tyler Baron has ravaged offensive lines thus far through three weeks. He ranks tops in the ACC in sacks (5), has 11 pressures, and will be looked upon to lead the way for Miami as their schedule picks up steam in the next few weeks. His stock continues to rise.
RJ Maryland, TE, SMU
vs. TCU
What To Look For: More consistency for RJ Maryland is warranted before his game draws more eyes, but he possesses a few of the traits teams love at the position. He can run, has good hands, and can create both in-line and flexed in space. Week 1 against Nevada showcased his potential (8 catches, 162 yards, 1 TD), but Maryland has remained rather uninvolved the last two weeks for the Mustangs offense. If SMU looks to take down TCU, they’ll need Maryland to be involved early and often through the air.
Nohl Williams, CB, California
@ Florida State
What To Look For: I’m fired up to see Williams against the Seminoles this week. While the spotlight surrounding the Florida State program has minimized immensely since the start of the season, talent is still on the roster. For Williams, his matchup against Malik Benson and Ja’Khi Douglas will paint a clearer picture of his prospect profile. Through three games, Williams has allowed just six completions on 18 targets (95 yards), with four interceptions, including a multi-INT day against Auburn. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Williams looks the part. With another good performance this weekend, he could move into the conversation as a name to know in the 2025 corner class.