The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has etched its name in the annals of sports history by becoming the first conference to claim the No. 1 pick in both the NFL and NBA drafts in the same year. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the exceptional talents of Cooper Flagg, who was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Cam Ward, who was picked No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Draft.
Cooper Flagg led Duke to the Final Four as a freshman, showcasing his impressive skills with 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Cam Ward was a first-team All-American, Heisman Finalist, and recipient of the Davey O’Brien Award.
This unprecedented double crown has sent shockwaves throughout the college sports landscape, solidifying the ACC’s reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional talent. With this historic feat, the ACC has proven its dominance across different sports disciplines, setting a new benchmark for conferences nationwide.
