Imagine a young basketball phenom dominating the court, averaging over 21 points per game as a sophomore and earning a spot on the prestigious preseason All-ACC first team. That's exactly what Markus Burton, a Penn grad and Notre Dame standout, has achieved, becoming the first Irish player to grace this list since John Mooney in 2019. But here's where it gets controversial: despite Burton's stellar performance, Notre Dame is only predicted to finish 10th in the ACC, leaving many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Burton's rise to prominence is nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he not only led the league in scoring with 21.3 points per game but also showcased significant improvement in his three-point shooting, jumping from 30.0% as a freshman to 37.5% as a sophomore. In ACC play, his accuracy soared even higher, hitting 40.2% from beyond the arc. This transformation from a promising rookie to a consistent scoring threat has solidified his place among the conference's elite.
Adding to his accolades, Burton tied for third in the ACC preseason player of the year voting, sharing the spotlight with former Irish guard JJ Starling, now at Syracuse. This recognition underscores his growing influence and potential to shape the upcoming season. And this is the part most people miss: while Burton's individual success is undeniable, the team's projected 10th-place finish raises questions about the supporting cast and overall roster depth.
The 2025 ACC Preseason Poll places Notre Dame behind powerhouses like Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina, with the Irish tallying 477 points. Here’s the full breakdown:
2025 ACC Preseason Poll
1. Duke (34) – 866 points
2. Louisville (15) – 842 points
3. North Carolina – 741 points
4. NC State – 710 points
5. Virginia – 623 points
6. SMU – 616 points
7. Clemson – 510 points
8. Miami – 500 points
9. Syracuse – 489 points
10. Notre Dame – 477 points
11. Wake Forest – 412 points
12. Virginia Tech – 355 points
13. Georgia Tech – 315 points
14. Pitt – 301 points
15. Florida State – 221 points
16. California – 156 points
17. Stanford – 138 points
18. Boston College – 107 points
The Preseason All-ACC Team further highlights Burton's achievement, as he joins an elite group including Duke's Cameron Boozer and NC State's Darrion Williams on the first team. Here’s the complete lineup:
2025-26 Preseason All-ACC Team
First Team
- Cameron Boozer, Duke (46 votes)
- Darrion Williams, NC State (45 votes)
- Markus Burton, Notre Dame (46 votes)
- Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville (36 votes)
- Ryan Conwell, Louisville (36 votes)
Second Team
- Boopie Miller, SMU (27 votes)
- J.J. Starling, Syracuse (27 votes)
- Isaiah Evans, Duke (24 votes)
- Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech (24 votes)
- Caleb Wilson, North Carolina (24 votes)
In the ACC Preseason Player of the Year race, Williams leads with 23 votes, followed by Boozer with 19. Burton, Starling, and others trail behind, each receiving 1-2 votes. Boldly speaking, could Burton's individual brilliance be enough to propel Notre Dame beyond their predicted finish? Or is the team's ranking a fair reflection of their overall capabilities?
As the season tips off, all eyes will be on Burton and the Irish to see if they can defy expectations. What do you think? Can Notre Dame surpass their 10th-place projection, or is the ACC simply too competitive? Let us know in the comments below!
