​College football season is around the corner. In a little over a month, a new season will kick off, and the quest for the College Football Playoff will begin. ESPN’s FPI has already laid out the favorites for 2026.The 2026 college football ESPN FPI includes a familiar face in the top 10 , though perhaps the ACC now has a new face leading the way. With Clemson’s window of dominance closing, the 2025 runners-up might be taking that spot.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE: College football analyst has strong dark horse for the College Football PlayoffsProminent college football analyst Paul Finebaum declared that the Miami Hurricanes are now the face of the ACC. He joined McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning and explained why Miami has dethroned the Clemson Tigers.“I think this is the first time in a long time that Miami takes center stage,” Finebaum said. “They played for the title. They almost won it. They are now the face of the league.”That’s an understandable argument. Miami probably would have won it all if not for Curt Cignetti and Indiana’s run of the century. Mario Cristobal endured two rough seasons to begin his tenure in South Beach.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE: Brett Yormark’s silence on Brendan Sorsby draws sharp criticism from Paul FinebaumHowever, 2024 showed the Hurricanes looking like a familiar Miami team again. They won 10 regular-season games and the Florida Cup. The school then landed Carson Beck from Georgia in the transfer portal, and he became a crucial part of their run alongside Malachi Toney.Miami snuck into the College Football Playoff despite not winning the ACC. They went on a massive run that included a road win at Texas A&M, then dethroned defending champion Ohio State. Finally, they defeated a resurgent Ole Miss team to punch their ticket to the national title game.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf Miami wants to become the face of the ACC, though, the Hurricanes can’t afford a down season. They also need to win a conference title this year. After landing Darian Mensah in the transfer portal, they have a more than legitimate shot to win it all.There’s no denying Miami is on the rise. But have they really become the face of the ACC?