In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the transfer portal has become a crucial tool for teams to bolster their rosters and remain competitive. Several ACC football programs have been making waves in the transfer market, while one team stands out for its resistance to this trend.

Florida State University (FSU) has emerged as one of the most successful programs in the "portal era," consistently ranking in the top 25 of 247Sports' rankings under head coach Mike Norvell. Despite not being overly reliant on transfers, with only 17 in the last four years, FSU has managed to achieve an impressive average finish at No. 9. This places them in stark contrast to teams like Colorado and Arizona State, who have made extensive use of the transfer portal with 93 and 60 transfers respectively.

Meanwhile, North Carolina State (NC State) is poised for another successful season, aiming to secure at least eight wins for the fifth consecutive year. The Wolfpack's offense boasts impressive additions from the transfer portal, including former Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall and Duke running back Jordan Walters. These acquisitions have strengthened NC State's offensive backfield, providing promise for the upcoming season.

Syracuse, under new coach Fran Brown, has wasted no time in upgrading their roster through the transfer portal. With Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord now leading the team and pass rusher Fadil Diggs from Texas A&M adding firepower to their defense, the Orange are hopeful that these additions will help catapult them to a bowl appearance this fall.

Louisville has been one of the most active teams in the transfer portal, adding a whopping 24 new players during the first window and an additional seven in the spring. However, four incoming transfers ultimately decided to re-enter the portal and depart the team. The loss of running back Peny Boone, who left after a short stint on campus, and eight defensive linemen following their appearance in the ACC Championship Game, has dealt a significant blow to the Cardinals.

While many teams have embraced the transfer portal, Clemson remains an outlier. Head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have chosen not to add any players from the transfer portal this offseason. In contrast, they have lost 12 players, including highly-rated defensive backs Andrew Mukuba and Toriano Pride Jr. However, the program's successful track record suggests that Swinney and his staff have confidence in their ability to develop talent from within their own ranks.

As the transfer portal continues to shape the college football landscape, ACC teams have been actively navigating this new terrain. FSU, NC State, Syracuse, and Louisville have been particularly active in utilizing the portal to their advantage. Meanwhile, Clemson has chosen to maintain their roster composition, relying on their traditional recruiting methods. It remains to be seen which approach will prove more successful in the long run.