Keeping track of ACC basketball rosters has become increasingly difficult, especially with the conference expanding to 18 teams and the NCAA’s evolving eligibility landscape creating uncertainty around several players.
With the 2026-27 season approaching, some ACC programs are still waiting for definitive answers on whether key transfers and returning players will be available when the season begins. Even teams that have already completed their offseason roster work could see changes depending on eligibility decisions.
That uncertainty has also made preseason coverage more challenging. ACC previews began in August, but some roster situations have changed since those early projections were published. Several players remain in limbo, while others have received enough clarity to indicate where they are expected to play.
Here is an updated look at several players whose status could still affect ACC teams entering the season.
VEN-ALLEN LUBIN – NC STATE
Ven-Allen Lubin appears set to return to NC State this fall, providing the Wolfpack with an important piece in their frontcourt.
Lubin’s return would give NC State additional experience and depth as the program prepares for another demanding ACC schedule. While his situation had previously created some uncertainty, the latest indication is that he will be available to continue with the Wolfpack.
His presence could be particularly valuable as NC State navigates the physical nature of conference play.
MALIK RENAU – MIAMI
Miami has also received encouraging clarity regarding Malik Renau, who is officially back on the Hurricanes’ roster.
His return gives Miami another experienced option as the Hurricanes finalize their rotation. With ACC competition becoming even deeper following the conference expansion, maintaining roster stability is especially important.
Renau’s status had been worth monitoring, but his appearance on the official roster provides a clearer picture of Miami’s plans heading into the season.
SETH TRIMBLE – LOUISVILLE
Seth Trimble remains one of the more notable situations still unresolved.
Trimble is reportedly still in limbo at Louisville, leaving questions about whether he will be available when the Cardinals begin their season.
For Louisville, the situation is significant because uncertainty surrounding an experienced player can affect both lineup decisions and overall roster planning. Until there is an official determination, Trimble’s status will remain one of the ACC’s situations to watch.
NATE CALMESE – FORMER WAKE FOREST STAR
Former Wake Forest standout Nate Calmese is another player whose next step remains unclear.
At this point, there does not appear to be an official word regarding his status. That leaves his availability and potential destination uncertain as teams move closer to the start of the campaign.
Calmese’s situation is one of several examples of how quickly offseason roster projections can change, particularly when eligibility questions are involved.
DALLIN HALL – FORMER VIRGINIA GUARD
Former Virginia guard Dallin Hall is facing a similar situation.
There has been no official word clarifying his status, meaning his availability remains uncertain heading into the season.
Hall’s situation is worth monitoring because any change could have an impact on the roster plans of the program involved. Until an official announcement is made, however, there is still considerable uncertainty surrounding his immediate future.
BUTTA JOHNSON – CLEMSON/VIRGINIA TECH
Butta Johnson will not be returning to Clemson, but his playing future could still involve another ACC program.
Johnson may have an opportunity to play at Virginia Tech, although the NCAA is appealing the decision connected to his eligibility. That means the situation remains unresolved and could develop further before the season begins.
For Virginia Tech, the outcome could have a direct effect on its roster depth and rotation options.
CAMERON FENS – NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina is dealing with its own eligibility issue involving South Dakota transfer Cameron Fens.
Fens is currently ineligible, creating uncertainty around his availability for the Tar Heels.
North Carolina has undergone significant changes heading into the new season, making roster clarity particularly important. If Fens becomes eligible, he could provide additional size and depth. For now, however, the Tar Heels must plan without assuming that he will be available.
ACC PLAYERS WHO LEFT THE CONFERENCE
The uncertainty is not limited to players currently projected to compete in the ACC.
Former Florida State forward Chauncey Wiggins has committed to Gonzaga, but he is currently unable to practice or play. His situation remains unresolved as he awaits further developments concerning his eligibility.
Former Clemson forward RJ Godfrey is facing a similar issue after committing to Arizona. Godfrey is currently still viewed as ineligible, leaving Arizona with questions about when he can officially become part of its rotation.
Both cases demonstrate that eligibility issues are affecting players beyond the ACC as well.
A MOVING TARGET
The bigger picture is that ACC rosters remain fluid even this close to the beginning of the season.
With 18 teams, a large number of transfers and players pursuing additional eligibility, tracking every roster has become increasingly complicated. Several players mentioned above could receive decisions that significantly alter preseason expectations.
For coaches, players and fans, the priority now is simply obtaining clarity before the opening games. Until those decisions arrive, ACC roster projections remain subject to change.
The coming days could therefore bring important updates, with several programs still waiting to learn exactly which players will be available when the 2026-27 season officially gets underway
