North Carolina

The addition of Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator represents North Carolina's clearest path out of a 4-8 season that showcased defensive promise but offensive futility. The Tar Heels rank 51st nationally in JP+ preseason ratings at +2.0 points, carried by a defense that grades 43rd (+1.8) while an offense that ranks 89th (-2.1) desperately needs the veteran coordinator's touch. Giovanni Lopez returns at quarterback, but the real intrigue comes from Wisconsin transfer Trech Kekahuna, whose 7.7 PPA arrival helps offset the departures of tight end Jake Johnson (14.4 PPA) to Auburn and backup quarterback Max Johnson (13.0 PPA) to Georgia Southern.

JP+ projects 6.3 wins for the Tar Heels, a significant improvement that hinges on Petrino's ability to unlock an offense that has nowhere to go but up from last season's struggles. The defensive foundation remains intact, and additions like Ohio State transfer tight end Jelani Thurman (6.6 PPA) provide Lopez with upgraded weapons in the passing game. If Petrino's system clicks early and the defense maintains its 2025 standard, North Carolina could challenge for bowl eligibility in a competitive ACC. If the offensive line struggles to protect Lopez or the portal additions fail to mesh quickly, another long season awaits in Chapel Hill.