2016 season: 8-5, 5-3 in the ACC (Tied for 2nd in the Coastal Division)
Head coach: Larry Fedora (6th season)
Following a loss to then-No. 18 Georgia in the season opener, the Tar Heels went on a tear, winning seven of their next eight contests before ending the regular season with losses to in-state rivals Duke and NC State.
Repeating last season’s success could be a great struggle for North Carolina, however, after the departure of a majority of its offensive starters.
LSU graduate transfer Brandon Harris will likely take over at quarterback for the Tar Heels. Harris threw for 2,165 yards and 13 touchdowns during his junior season in 2015 with the Tigers. The Bossier City, La., native struggled last season, though, losing his starting job after just two weeks.
In addition to turnover at quarterback, North Carolina will see new leaders all across the offense. The Tar Heels lost both their top two rushers and their top two receivers from last season as well, and thus, will need increased contributions from players with little experience like freshman running back Michael Carter.
In order for North Carolina to repeat its success from its previous two seasons, they will have to continue to dominate unranked opposition. From September 2015 to November 2016, the Tar Heels went undefeated in 15 contests against teams outside the AP top 25, and this year, they will face no opponent ranked higher than No. 16 in the preseason poll.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.