Peal Named Preseason All-ACC
7/29/2026 4:10:00 PM | Football
Chris Peal, one of the nation's top cornerbacks, has earned Preseason All-ACC honors, the league announced on Wednesday.
The Preseason All-ACC team is comprised of just one team, as opposed to the three-team All-ACC team released at the end of the regular season. It was voted on by credentialed media at the ACC Kickoff.
A projected first-round pick in numerous early NFL mock drafts, the senior (fourth year with an additional year of eligibility in 2027) was a Preseason All-American in Phil Steele's annual publication earlier this month. Peal transferred to Syracuse from Georgia prior to last season, earning a starting role in every game for the Orange in 2025. He had 47 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and forced a fumble on the season.
Pro Football Focus ranks him as one of the top returning cornerbacks in college football this season, alongside sophomore Demetres Samuel Jr., who started every game at the opposite corner spot last season. Â
While Peal was the only representative from the Orange, only 10 of the conference's 17 teams had a player earn Preseason All-ACC honors.
Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now at Cuse.com/FootballTickets. Don't miss your chance to see a full slate of exciting games in the Loud House!
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The Preseason All-ACC team is comprised of just one team, as opposed to the three-team All-ACC team released at the end of the regular season. It was voted on by credentialed media at the ACC Kickoff.
A projected first-round pick in numerous early NFL mock drafts, the senior (fourth year with an additional year of eligibility in 2027) was a Preseason All-American in Phil Steele's annual publication earlier this month. Peal transferred to Syracuse from Georgia prior to last season, earning a starting role in every game for the Orange in 2025. He had 47 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and forced a fumble on the season.
Pro Football Focus ranks him as one of the top returning cornerbacks in college football this season, alongside sophomore Demetres Samuel Jr., who started every game at the opposite corner spot last season. Â
While Peal was the only representative from the Orange, only 10 of the conference's 17 teams had a player earn Preseason All-ACC honors.
Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now at Cuse.com/FootballTickets. Don't miss your chance to see a full slate of exciting games in the Loud House!
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Players Mentioned
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