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UNC Football named a way too early College Football Playoff sleeper

By Zack Pearson

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drops back to pass against the Syracuse Orange during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drops back to pass against the Syracuse Orange during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The 2021 college football offseason is just a week or so old following the national championship game but already the focus is shifting to the new season. For the UNC Football program, they are entering this offseason with a lot of expectations for next year.

Following an 8-4 season, Mack Brown’s team took a big step forward and earned an Orange Bowl appearance to close out their year. While they do lose key players Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown, Dazz Newsome and Chazz Surratt, the program is returning the majority of their starters from a year go including quarterback Sam Howell who is an early Heisman favorite.

To say the expectations are high is an understatement.

As part of their “Way Too Early” series, ESPN is listing their predictions for next season including potential College Football Playoff Contenders. While programs like Clemson and Alabama were listed at the top of the list, the Tar Heels weren’t far down.

ESPN listed UNC at No. 7 in terms of potential teams to crack the College Football Playoff, a high ranking for a program that won three games from 2017-18. Here is part of what ESPN said about UNC:

"Eighteen projected returning starters, including all five offensive linemen and quarterback Sam Howell. UNC’s young defense should also take another step forward, as six starters were freshmen or sophomores last year. To contend for the ACC title and more, UNC has to learn to avoid letdowns and win the statement games."

The Tar Heels will certainly have their chances to improve their ranking as the year goes on, playing Wake Forest and Notre Dame in non-conference games while also taking on Miami and Florida State in conference. The full schedule will be released next week.

It’s impressive to see UNC on this list despite it still being January but they are getting some respect from big outlets. Of course, the Tar Heels do have to live up to these expectations and take care of business next season, not having any let downs like they did this season.

Next. Sam Howell named Way Too Early All-American. dark

For more on the UNC Football program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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