UNC Football cracks Top 10 in Athlon Sports rankings

Athlon Sports views the UNC Football program is a top 10 team heading into the 2021 regular season. Where do they currently sit in the most recent rankings?

Over the last two seasons, the UNC football program has made significant strides in regards to getting back on track, thanks in large part to the return of legendary head coach Mack Brown.

The Tar Heels are coming off an impressive 2020 season in which they qualified for a New Year’s Six Bowl game. Looking for even more success this season, Mack Brown’s team returns star quarterback Sam Howell as well as a majority of the team’s starters from last year’s squad.

Is the program’s recent momentum along with returning/added talent enough for people to view the Tar Heels as a top 10 team heading into the season?

Athlon Sports seems to think so.

In his most recent rankings, Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports views the UNC football program as the No. 10 overall team in the country. The Tar Heels are one of two teams from the ACC who made the top 10, as Lassan ranked the Clemson Tigers the No. 2 team overall.

For each prediction, Lassan included both strengths and concerns for both sides of the football. Here’s what the breakdown on the Tar Heels had to say:

"The Tar Heels have made significant strides in just two years under coach Mack Brown. With quarterback Sam Howell returning, this program should take another step forward this fall, as North Carolina is Athlon’s pick to win the Coastal Division in 2021.Offensive Strength: Howell is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and guided the offense to an average of 41.7 points a game last year. The Tar Heels have an improving starting group in the trenches. While the turnover at the skill spots is a concern, this unit doesn’t lack for talent.Offensive Concern: Not much. The new faces at receiver and running back are worth monitoring early in the year.Defensive Strength: The overall trajectory of this group is in good shape. The Tar Heels generated 36 sacks and finished sixth in the ACC in pass efficiency defense. Brown’s work on the recruiting trail has added talent to the two-deep and eight returning starters provide a good foundation. Cornerbacks Storm Duck and Tony Grimes are one of the best duos in the ACC.Defensive Concern: Cutting down on the big plays allowed (18 of 40-plus yards) is a must. Linebacker Chazz Surratt leaves big shoes to fill. North Carolina allowed 5.8 yards per play and 29.4 points a game in 2020. There’s room to improve here."

Although the Tar Heels lost a ton of offensive skill players from last year’s team, the return of Howell and an improving offensive line, those factors should help as the program looks to ease some new skill players into the mix.

On the defensive side of the ball, big players were a major issue for the Tar Heels last season. However, with the return of the majority of last year’s starting unit, plus the addition of some new contributors, you could definitely make the case that the Tar Heels will be better this year at stopping opposing offenses.

There’s a lot to be excited about in regards to the UNC football program heading into the 2021 regular season. Although we are still a few weeks away from kickoff, let the anticipation and hype around this talented group begin.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the UNC football program.