The Atlantic Coast Conference’s football week begins on Thursday, September 10 and runs through Sunday, September 12, presenting a total of 14 matchups that blend non‑conference challenges with conference showdowns. This schedule underscores the ACC’s reputation for high‑octane offense, as the league leads the Football Bowl Subdivision in explosive performances, including six 300‑yard passing games and a record 15 Friday night contests slated for the 2026 season.
Week 2 Highlights
Miami opens the week by hosting Florida A&M on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on the ACC Network, while the primetime Saturday night clash sees No. 18 Tennessee travel to Georgia Tech at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both games promise early momentum for the ACC’s top‑ranked teams and set the tone for a season defined by competitive balance and national visibility.
The conference’s offensive firepower is on full display, with ACC quarterbacks delivering six 300‑yard passing performances. Pitt’s Mason Heintschel threw for 453 yards, SMU’s Kevin Jennings posted 430 yards, and Miami’s Darian Mensah accumulated 401 yards. In addition, Miami’s Malachi Toney recorded 234 receiving yards, marking the only 200‑yard receiving effort in the league this season.
Friday, September 11 brings four games to the ACC’s Friday night lineup, reinforcing a record‑setting trend that will see 15 such contests across the 2026 calendar. The depth of the schedule reflects the conference’s commitment to maximizing exposure and competitive opportunities for its members.
Beyond its own borders, the ACC’s non‑conference slate includes 25 games against Power Four opponents and Notre Dame, with two‑thirds of those matchups pitting the league against Power Four or bowl‑eligible teams. This ambitious arrangement not only bolsters résumé building but also fuels national interest and television ratings.
The ACC’s global footprint expands further in 2026 with scheduled games in Dublin, Ireland, and Toronto, Canada, while enhanced replay access will be available for 19 games in the opening weeks and at least 27 contests throughout the season, giving fans and officials unprecedented review capabilities.
Looking ahead, the ACC Championship Game is set for Saturday, December 5 at noon ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will be broadcast nationally on ABC, capping a season that blends domestic intensity with international flair.