https://247sports.com/college/virginia-tech/LongFormArticle/College-football-preseason-top-25-2020-season-147974176/#147974176_19

This is the program with the best chance to jump from fringe bowl team to divisional contender. Having freshman record-setter Sam Howell is the biggest plus in the North Carolina’s favor. He’s the type of passer who can elevate a program. The Tar Heels also bring back 17 starters, including 10 on offense. Another thing working in UNC’s favor? All six of its losses last season were by a possession or fewer. Those games won’t all go against the Tar Heels next year. What’s working against UNC? The Tar Heels have a brutal slate to open the year: UCF, Auburn and James Madison that could derail the campaign before the momentum can truly start rolling. Mack Brown has jumpstarted this program quickly, the ACC Coastal is, as always, there for the taking.