College football rankings 2021: Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State vie for No. 1 in way-too-early Top 25

Mack Brown has wasted no time in putting the North Carolina Tar Heels back on the college football map. In just his second season since he returned to Chapel Hill, he led his team to an Orange Bowl berth. And though they eventually lost in the New Year’s Six matchup to Texas A&M, this is a program that’s clearly on the rise.

It should be noted that, despite their rapid ascension under Brown, the Tar Heels do have major losses to contend with as they go into 2021. Star running back duo Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, wide receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome, and standout linebacker Chazz Surratt have all entered the NFL Draft, which does leave some holes that will need to be filled.

Having said that, quarterback Sam Howell will return for his third season as the starter and after throwing for more than 65 touchdowns over his first two years with UNC. He’s one of the Heisman frontrunners coming into next season and he’s looked more than capable of carrying the offense now that the rushing attack may be less potent.

The biggest factor for North Carolina, though, is the influx of talent that Brown has brought about. The Tar Heels had the No. 13-ranked recruiting class in 2020 and are trending towards a top-15 class in 2021. If the young players coming in are able to step up around Howell, this team could challenge for an ACC Championship.