As Super Bowl LVIII draws near, the spotlight intensifies not only on the competing teams and their marquee players but also on the paths that forged these athletes into today’s pros of the gridiron.
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) stands out with a notable presence; Georgia Tech, Miami, and Clemson each boast a pair of alumni, asserting the conference’s influence. Meanwhile, Duke, NC State, and Virginia Tech contribute one player apiece, bringing the ACC’s total representation to an impressive nine active players for the big game.
Leading the charge from the ACC is Joe Thuney, an NC State graduate, who anchors the offensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs with exceptional skill and consistency.
Deon Bush, a former Miami Hurricane whose college career was marked by consistent recognition, including multiple All-ACC honors. Both Thuney and Bush won a Super Bowl in 2022 with the Chiefs.
Joining Bush from the Chiefs is Jon Feliciano, another Miami product, whose massive presence on the offensive line was heralded during his time in the ACC.
The kicking game often flies under the radar but holds immense importance, as demonstrated by Harrison Butker, a Georgia Tech alumnus. Butker’s record-breaking career with the Yellow Jackets set the stage for his ascendancy in the NFL. Butker’s leg could very well be the deciding factor.
Not to be overshadowed, the San Francisco 49ers boast their own ACC talent with runningback Jordan Mason, a force to be reckoned with from Georgia Tech.
Chamarri Conner, hailing from Virginia Tech, brings tenacity and sharp defensive instincts to the Chiefs’ backfield. Noah Gray, a former Duke Blue Devil, adds depth and versatility to the 49ers’ offense. Gray is remembered by Duke fans for his reliable hands.
Justyn Ross and Ray-Ray McCloud III are both former Clemson standouts at wide receiver and are also both members of the 49ers.
The ACC’s influence on the grandest stage of American football continues to expand annually, showcasing the depth and talent within the conference. This year, however, it’s the SEC that dominates the roster representation with an impressive twenty-three players, claiming the top spot among conferences at the Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Deon Bush, DB – Miami
Harrison Butker, K – Georgia Tech
Chamarri Conner, DB – Virginia Tech
Noah Gray, TE – Duke
Derrick Nnadi, DT – Florida State (Injured Reserve)
Justyn Ross, WR – Clemson
Joe Thuney, G – NC State
Cornell Powell, WR – Clemson (Practice Squad)
San Francisco 49ers:
Jon Feliciano, OL – Miami
Clelin Ferrell, DL – Clemson (Out)
Jordan Mason, RB – Georgia Tech
Ray-Ray McCloud III, WR – Clemson
T.Y. McGill, DL – NC State (Practice Squad)