The college football season is approaching, making way for teams across the country to compete for a national title.
Ohio State enters the season as the defending champions. The Buckeyes recently announced Julian Sayin as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
While Ryan Day and the Buckeyes look to be one of the lead contenders, ESPN "College GameDay" analyst Rece Davis believes fans are sleeping on one particular team.
Davis credited the Pittsburgh Panthers as his sleeper to make the College Football Playoff and potentially make the ACC title game.
"If I had to pick a completely off-the-radar sleeper team to make it to the ACC championship and potentially make the Playoff, I'd take Pittsburgh," Davis said.
Davis also mentioned that Florida State could be another team flying under the radar that may make some noise in the ACC.
The Pittsburgh Panthers are led by former Alabama Crimson Tide transfer quarterback Eli Holstein. Last season with the Panthers, Holstein posted 17 touchdowns and 2,225 yards.
In his first year as the starting quarterback, he proved to be a threat both in the air and on the ground. Holstein also added three touchdowns and 328 rushing yards.
Pittsburgh finished the 2024 season with a 7-6 record, playing under head coach Pat Narduzzi.
The Panthers will certainly have a tall task in competing for the ACC title, given the emergence of Clemson.
The Tigers are the clear-cut favorite to win the conference title and represent the ACC in the College Football Playoff, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
