ESPN released its list of the top 50 college football players in the nation on Tuesday, with UNC sophomore quarterback Sam Howell and senior linebacker Chazz Surratt each finding their names among the rankings.

Howell checked in at No. 22 on the list as he prepares to build off one of the best seasons by a true freshman quarterback in NCAA history. He finished second in the ACC with 3,641 passing yards in 2019, while also setting an FBS record for a true freshman with 38 touchdown passes–a number that ranks third in ACC history regardless of age.

Surratt, meanwhile, took the No. 43 spot in the rankings heading into what will be just his second season at the linebacker position. After moving over from quarterback prior to 2019, Surratt’s speed and explosiveness helped him garner a team-high 115 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Having superstars like Howell and Surratt are a big reason why the Tar Heels earned the No. 18 ranking in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25, and have preseason expectations as lofty as any the program has experienced in quite some time.

The Tar Heels are scheduled to begin the 2020 season on Sept. 12, when they host Syracuse at Kenan Stadium.

 

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Dress for Success
UNC alumnus Hal Fischer recalls his surprise at seeing Tar Heel fans at Kenan Stadium dressed in coats and ties.
2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: Pittsburgh
UNC will make the trip up north to face No. 25 Pittsburgh Saturday. The Panthers are making their debut in the AP Top 25 this week after beginning the season 5-0. Pitt is coming off a thrilling 35-33 win at Virginia Tech which saw the Hokies miss a potential game-winning field goal as time expired. […]
The Morning News: UNC Football, Chapel Hill Shooting, Hedgepeth Jury Selection
In today's news: Chapel Hill police make an arrest in Friday's shooting, and UNC football falls to Notre Dame.
This Week in UNC Sports: October 5-11, 2026
This series of posts will be made weekly on Chapelboro with a full schedule of UNC sports contests, both in Chapel Hill and elsewhere. Note that game times and broadcast information are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors. The first full week of October will be relatively quiet until the weekend […]
With a Long Stretch Ahead, UNC Football Can't Afford to Look Backward
Instead of taking any sort of moral victory from Saturday's loss to No. 3 Notre Dame, UNC is focusing on its long road ahead.
Art's Angle: Progress Within A Familiar Result
UNC football did not let its loss to No. 3 Notre Dame get out of hand, which is an improvement. But it is still has a lot of work to do.
No. 3 Notre Dame Pulls Away in Second Half, Beats UNC Football in Chapel Hill
No. 3 Notre Dame imposed its will in the second half at a rainy Kenan Stadium, pulling away from a spunky Tar Heel team for a 37-26 win Saturday. “Hard-fought game,” head coach Bill Belichick said afterward. “Proud of the way our guys competed. We just weren’t able to make enough plays, really in any […]
No. 3 Notre Dame Brings Tough Test to UNC After Loss to Clemson — The Carolina Football Hour (Oct. 3, 2026)
Coming off of UNC football's bye week, 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell and Michael Koh preview of Carolina's matchup with No. 3 Notre Dame.
Unpacking the A'ja Wilson-Fever Fan Interaction, UNC Football vs. Notre Dame – Stroman On Sports (October 2, 2026)
The Hill's Deborah Stroman and Brighton McConnell speak on Friday, October 2 about recent drama in the WNBA and UNC football's big test.
On Air Today: Jones Angell, Previewing UNC-Notre Dame (In the Rain)
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to preview Saturday's UNC football game against no. 3 Notre Dame.
›