UNC Football: See how Pro Football Focus ranks the 2020 Tar Heels

The Tar Heels are receiving a lot of respect early in the offseason, as a number of publications have placed them in their way-too-early top 25 preseason rankings.

Pro Football Focus released its way-too-early 2020 top 25 rankings early Tuesday morning, and it came with a pleasant surprise for the North Carolina football program and its fans. North Carolina was named the No. 14 team in the country according to the popular football publication, and much of that is thanks to the Tar Heels’ offensive firepower.

Sam Howell had an extraordinary freshmen season in Chapel Hill. The young quarterback from Monroe, North Carolina totaled 38 touchdowns with just seven interceptions, which is an incredible ratio to hit in your first year under the helm. The touchdown mark ranked 4th in the country, and he was 14th in the nation in passing yards.

This team is loaded on the offensive side of the ball, and could be even more explosive in 2020. The top two receivers for the Heels are returning as well. Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome both managed to break the one-thousand-yard mark in 2019.

And on top of Howell getting his receivers back, he’s getting his top rusher back as well. Michael Carter ran for over a thousand yards while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Carter took a major leap from his sophomore to junior season, and another leap should be expected.

Overall, the offense in North Carolina should be extremely exciting next year, and be good enough to keep the Heels in the top 25 throughout the season. Expect UNC to continue to show up on all kinds of different top 25 preseason rankings as opening day approaches.

Check back with Keeping It Heel for all the latest news and updates on the UNC football program.