Even if the ACC didn’t bring home another national championship, it was a stellar season for the league in terms of individual performances, from an impressive freshmen class to big-time numbers posted by key veterans. Now we’re counting down the top 25 players of the season -- five per day -- starting with Nos. 21-25.

21. Clemson left tackle Mitch Hyatt

As a general rule, starting a true freshman at left tackle is a death knell for an offense, but Hyatt’s emergence at Clemson proved to be the exception. Not only did the Tigers allowed the second-fewest sacks per game in the ACC, and not only did Hyatt help pave the way for Wayne Gallman’s school rushing record, but the freshman lineman proved to be one of the best players on a team that played for a national championship.

22. Florida State safety Derwin James

Like Hyatt, James arrived as a highly touted true freshman and made an instant impact. James helped revitalize Florida State’s defense, finishing the season with 91 tackles — third most by any Power 5 true freshman — 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

23. Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya

Kaaya battled injuries and dealt with an inconsistent running game yet he still excelled in his sophomore season, trailing only stars Marquise Williams and Deshaun Watson among ACC QBs in yards per attempt and passer rating. He topped 3,000 yards passing for the second straight season.

24. Louisville linebacker Devonte Fields

It was a slow start for the TCU transfer, but once Fields found his footing in Todd Grantham’s defense, he was as fierce a weapon as any pass-rusher in the nation. From Week 8 through bowl season, Fields led the nation in sacks (10.5) and his 1.73 tackles for loss per game this season overall tied for best among all FBS players.

25. Pitt defensive end Ejuan Price

First-year head coach Pat Narduzzi’s impact on Pitt’s defense was significant, but perhaps the biggest reason for the Panthers’ turnaround was a healthy campaign from Price, who finished the season fourth in the ACC in tackles for loss (19.5) and third in sacks (11.5), as Pitt moved from 13th in the ACC in sacks in 2014 to third in 2015.