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ESPN gives UNC football a grim outlook in 2026 offseason rankings
TL;DR
ESPN ranks UNC football 15th out of 17 ACC teams for the 2026 offseason, ahead of only Boston College and Stanford. The team faces a roster overhaul with new quarterback competition and key transfer additions.
Key points
- UNC football ranked 15th out of 17 ACC teams by ESPN
- Team lost key defensive players to the transfer portal
- New quarterback competition between Taron Dickens and Billy Edwards
- Key transfers include Trech Kekahuna and Jordan Washington
- Top recruits include quarterback Travis Burgess
Mentioned in this story
Bill BelichickTyler ThompsonTaron DickensBilly EdwardsTrech KekahunaJordan WashingtonTravis BurgessKeeyun ChapmanC.J. SadlerESPNACC
North Carolina Tar HeelsBoston CollegeStanford
The preseason hype isn't weaving its way through Chapel Hill, but expectations are high for UNC's 2026 football season, particularly with Bill Belichick still in charge.
North Carolina lost plenty of defensive talent in the transfer portal, most notably Tyler Thompson, but landed several solid transfers and a strong high school recruiting class. The Tar Heels will start a new quarterback for the third straight season, with Taron Dickens and Billy Edwards expected to compete for QB1.
In ESPN's offseason rankings for every Power Four squad, UNC landed 15th out of 17 ACC teams, ahead of only Boston College (16th) and Stanford.
Amidst another roster overhaul for North Carolina, ESPN named Edwards, wide receiver Trech Kekahuna and tight end Jordan Washington as key transfer portal additions. The Tar Heels' top incoming recruits? Quarterback Travis Burgess, plus wide receivers Keeyun Chapman and C.J. Sadler.
In hopes of fixing its lackluster 2025 offense, UNC hired Bobby Petrino as its offensive coordinator. struggled under his watch in 2025, but still sported a high-octane attack.
Q&A
What is UNC football's ranking in ESPN's 2026 offseason rankings?
UNC football is ranked 15th out of 17 ACC teams in ESPN's 2026 offseason rankings.
Who are the key transfer portal additions for UNC football in 2026?
Key transfer portal additions for UNC football include quarterback Billy Edwards, wide receiver Trech Kekahuna, and tight end Jordan Washington.
What challenges does UNC football face for the 2026 season?
UNC football faces challenges including losing defensive talent to the transfer portal and starting a new quarterback for the third consecutive season.
