With the conclusion of the College Football National Championship last night, college football analysts renew their yearly tradition of putting out rankings for next season.

UNC is coming off a historic 11-3 season. The Tar Heels finished the 2015 season ranked 15 in the AP Poll, their highest finish since 1997.

This year the Tar Heels graduated key starters Marquise Williams, Jeff Shoettmer, Landon Turner and Quinshad Davis.

Here’s where the experts have the Tar Heels ranked next season in the way too early top 25s.

USA Today

UNC: Not ranked

Other ACC Schools: Clemson (1), Florida State (5), Miami (21), Louisville (23)

ESPN

UNC: 17

Other ACC Schools: Clemson (1), Florida State (6), Louisville (24)

CBS Sports

UNC: Not ranked

Other ACC Schools: Clemson (1), Florida State (12), Miami (13), Louisville (23)

Bleacher Report

UNC: 19

Other ACC Schools: Clemson (1), Florida State (14), Louisville (15)

 

Related Stories
‹
The Morning News: CHCCS Board Vacancy, Bill Belichick Speaks
In today's news: Bill Belichick addresses the media for the first time after new revelations about the investigation of Tar Heel football.
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Dancing the Night Away
Chatham County Public Information Officer Kara Lusk remembers her first Kenan Stadium performance with the UNC Dance Team in the 1990s.
2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: East Tennessee State
UNC will host its home opener at Kenan Stadium Saturday when East Tennessee State visits, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ETSU enters the matchup with a 1-1 record, having dropped its opener vs. Campbell before beating Division 2 side Tusculum 48-14 last weekend. Saturday’s game in Chapel Hill will be the first road game […]
Bill Belichick Remains 'Focused' on Next Game Amid UNC Football Investigation
Prior to UNC head coach Bill Belichick’s press conference at the Kenan Football Center Monday, associate athletic director for football communications Brandon Faber stepped to the podium and said that due to the ongoing investigation of the program, Belichick would not be able to answer any questions on that topic. Once Belichick took the podium, […]
Chansky's Notebook: A Moment For The Future
If another coach doesn’t take over for Bill Belichick for the last 11 games of this season, what a circus it would continue to be for UNC.
Reacting to UNC Football's Ongoing Investigation, NBA's Punishment of Clippers – Stroman On Sports (September 4, 2026)
The Hill's Deborah Stroman joins News Director Brighton McConnell on Friday, September 4, for their weekly chat.
On Air Today: David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network
David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, September 4. He discussed the latest news from the UNC Football program, which saw the resignation of General Manager Michael Lombardi amid an explosive WRAL article. He discussed the implications for the program, the likely next steps, what the next few weeks of football might look like, and more.
The Morning News: Orange County Honors Jamezetta Bedford, Michael Lombardi Resigns
In today's news: Orange County names its new crisis diversion facility after the late County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford.
Art's Angle: No Other Choice
The Bill Belichick nightmare is almost over. With Mike Lombardi’s resignation, the continuing investigations into the former general manager and other members of the UNC football staff, plus WRAL’s exhaustive reporting, Carolina has no choice but to relieve Belichick of his duties likely this week. The 2023 NCAA rules state — without a doubt — […]
UNC Football GM Michael Lombardi Resigns Amid Investigation
UNC football general manager has resigned from his position effective immediately, the school said Thursday. The move comes after the school placed Lombardi on paid administrative leave July 27 and began an investigation into his conduct. In the wake of Lombardi’s resignation, a school spokesman said UNC “will continue its ongoing investigation and will consider […]
›