Certainly not. Words like “assuredly,” “probably,” or “unquestionably” won’t define these predictions for North Carolina football heading into the 2024 season. Instead, let’s dive into some bold projections for the Tar Heels, who kick off the year with a nationally televised opener against Minnesota on Thursday at 8 p.m. on FOX.
Mack Brown, entering his sixth season in his second tenure at UNC, has led the team to at least eight wins in three of his five seasons since returning to Chapel Hill.
For the first time since 2018, UNC will begin a season without Sam Howell or Drake Maye as starting quarterback. Despite this shift, the Tar Heels still boast six All-ACC players, including running back Omarion Hampton and pass rusher Kaimon Rucker.
Here are three bold predictions for UNC’s season:
The Tar Heels will start 8-0
After facing Minnesota, UNC won’t leave North Carolina until late October (at Virginia on Oct. 26). According to ESPN, UNC is expected to be favored in its first eight games, with only two projected losses in their 12-game regular season: at Florida State on Nov. 2 and the finale at N.C. State on Nov. 30.
With a favorable schedule, featuring five of their first eight games at Kenan Stadium, the Tar Heels are set to begin the season 8-0 for the first time since 1997, which was Mack Brown’s last season during his initial tenure at UNC. That year, the team finished 11-1, with their only loss coming in the ninth game against Florida State.
UNC pass rusher Kaimon Rucker will top the ACC in sacks.
Ashton Gillotte of Louisville led the ACC with 11 sacks in 2023. Kaimon Rucker, who ranked fourth with 8 ½ sacks last season, is set to surpass that total and reach double digits, emerging as the conference’s top pass rusher and leading the ACC in sacks.
Tight end Bryson Nesbit is poised for an Eric Ebron-like season.
In 2013, Eric Ebron set single-season records at UNC with 62 receptions for an ACC record 973 yards in his final year as a Tar Heel. Current tight end Bryson Nesbit is expected to follow in Ebron’s footsteps with a similar breakout season in 2024.
Nesbit, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound senior from Charlotte, recorded 41 catches and led all ACC tight ends with 585 yards last season. Despite UNC’s quarterback uncertainty, Nesbit will become a reliable option for whoever takes the most snaps, reaching 50 receptions and 600 yards as the team’s top receiving target.
