ACC Names Week 5 Football Award Winners

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced its Football Players of the Week on October 5, 2026, recognizing standout performances from Week 5 across the league. The honorees were selected by a vote of a select media panel after key offensive and defensive efforts. Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels earned recognition after leading a 38-7 win over Virginia with a record-setting performance.

According to the ACC, Daniels set the Florida State single-game record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with five. The ACC reported that Daniels matched the conference single-game quarterback rushing touchdown record with five scores, tying Georgia Tech’s TaQuon Marshall’s mark from September 4, 2017. He also tied Florida State’s single-game scoring record with 30 points.

According to the ACC, Daniels became the first player since at least 1995 to record at least 180 passing yards, 130 rushing yards and five touchdowns in one game. His 81-yard touchdown run was the second-longest quarterback touchdown run in Florida State history.

The ACC also noted that Daniels was the only Division I or NFL player over the last 30 seasons to post at least five rushing touchdowns, 150 passing yards and an 80-yard touchdown run in a single game. He ranks third nationally with nine rushing touchdowns and averages 15.9 yards per completion. Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen was recognized after rushing 28 times for 140 yards in the Orange’s 42-41 overtime win over UConn. According to the ACC, both totals were career highs for Allen.

The ACC reported that Allen carried 23 times for 118 rushing yards in the second half, helping Syracuse secure the overtime victory. The Orange finished the game with 509 total offensive yards. Syracuse wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. also received honors after catching 12 passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns against UConn. According to the ACC, his overtime fourth-and-goal touchdown provided the deciding score.

The ACC said Gill’s 12 receptions were the most by a Syracuse player since 2020 and tied for the eighth-most catches in a single game in program history. His three receiving touchdowns were the most by a Syracuse player in a game since 2016. Florida State offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers was honored after starting at left guard during a game where the Seminoles rushed for a season-high 281 yards.

The ACC reported he played 66 of 67 offensive snaps and recorded seven knockdown blocks. SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts earned recognition after recording three sacks and three tackles for loss in a 25-16 win over Boston College. According to the ACC, Roberts also forced a fumble and finished second on the team with seven total tackles.

NC State defensive player Devan Boykin was honored after recovering three fumbles in the Wolfpack’s win over Louisville. The ACC reported the recoveries led to two touchdowns and the game-winning field goal on the following drives.

North Carolina freshman Jaden Jefferson received recognition after returning his first collegiate kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against Notre Dame. According to the ACC, the return was the Tar Heels’ first kickoff return touchdown since 2024. California wide receiver Mikey Matthews was also selected after catching three passes for 102 yards and a touchdown against UNLV. The ACC reported his 91-yard touchdown reception was the second-longest pass play in California program history.