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UNC football ranked 14th in ACC preseason poll by USA Today Sports

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 12:30 AM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

UNC football ranked 14th in ACC preseason poll by USA Today Sports
Summary

The North Carolina Tar Heels face a challenging 2026 football season, opening against TCU in Ireland on August 29. According to USA TODAY Sports' preseason rankings, UNC is positioned 14th out of 17 ACC teams, ahead of only Syracuse, Stanford, and Boston College. The Tar Heels, who finished 4-8 in 2025, aim to improve under head coach Bill Belichick, who has brought in notable transfers and retained key players. With one honorable mention on the Preseason All-ACC Team, the team seeks to return to bowl eligibility after a disappointing previous season. Early results will be crucial in determining their trajectory.

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By the Numbers
  • •UNC football opens its season on August 29 against TCU in Ireland.
  • •USA TODAY Sports ranks UNC 14th among 17 ACC programs.
  • •Tar Heels finished 4-8 in 2025 with limited wins against tough competition.
  • •Head coach Bill Belichick is entering his second season with new recruits.
  • •Melkart Abou-Jaoude is the lone Tar Heel on the Preseason All-ACC Team.
Latest Updates
  • 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — UNC football has grim outlook in USA TODAY Sports' preseason rankings
What they're saying
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There isn't a ton of hope for the UNC football program in 2026. USA TODAY Sports ranks the Tar Heels amongst 17 ACC programs.

Related Teams & Leagues
NCAAFCollege Sports

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