CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference had 20 football student-athletes named to The Athletic’s annual “Freaks List” for 2026, the third-most selections among all FBS conferences.
 
Of the 20 ACC players on the list, six were ranked in the top 20 – tied for the most of any conference.
 
The 2026 list features 101 of college football’s most physically gifted athletes, recognizing players who stand out through exceptional combinations of strength, speed, explosiveness, size and overall athletic ability.
 
Created by college football writer Bruce Feldman in 2005, the “Freaks List” began as a top 10 ranking of players who produced remarkable performances during offseason training. It has since grown into an annual feature showcasing exceptional athletic feats and testing numbers from players across college football.
 
The list is compiled with input from strength and conditioning coaches, sports information directors, coaches, trainers and NFL scouts from across the sport.
 
ACC Players Named to College Football Freaks List 2026
Rank - Name, School (Position)
No. 4 – Jackson Cantwell, Miami (OT)
No. 7 – Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech (DT)
No. 9 – Emmanuel Okoye, California (Edge)
No. 12 – Micahi Danzy, Florida State (WR)
No. 18 – Jayden “Duke” Scott, NC State (RB)
No. 20 – Sammy Brown, Clemson (LB)
No. 22 – McKale Boley, Virginia (OT)
No. 41 – Colby Cronk, NC State (DL)
No. 43 – Jordan Walker, Georgia Tech (DE)
No. 44 – Makilan Thomas, Virginia (OL)
No. 45 – Chris D’Appolonia, Syracuse (LB)
No. 52 – Antoine Deslauriers, Syracuse (LB)
No. 55 – Jeremiah Hasley, Duke (TE)
No. 57 – Mandrell Desir, Florida State (DL)
No. 70 – Ryan Baer, Pitt (OT)
No. 76 – Yamir Knight, SMU (WR)
No. 83 – Kaleb Spencer, Virginia Tech (LB)
No. 90 – Beau Pribula, Virginia (QB)
No. 93 – Zach Rowell, Stanford (DL)
No. 100 – Israel Oladipupo, Boston College (DE)