ESPN recently released a “way too early” College Football Playoff prediction that has social media talking. In the ranking, ESPN writer Bill Connelly had the Bill Belichick-led University of North Carolina Tar Heels qualifying for the playoffs as the No. 11-seeded playoff team.
In years past, being the No. 11 team did not result in a playoff appearance. However, the expanded version of the College Football Playoff that debuted last season could allow a team like UNC to sneak into the postseason. As a result of this bold prediction, football fans have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the matter.
Social Media Reaction to Bill Belichick, UNC Prediction
The popular sports media company On3Sports reposted the ranking on X, opening up social media discussion about the projection.
“NEW: 2026 College Football Playoff Projection per @ESPN 👀 Thoughts? 🤔,” the post was captioned.
NEW: 2026 College Football Playoff Projection per @ESPN👀
Thoughts? 🤔https://t.co/FwDXJXksLH pic.twitter.com/Umeim6jJzJ
— On3 (@On3sports) January 28, 2025
In response, one individual outlined how Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning would send Belichick and UNC home in the first round if this was the CFP matchup.
“Manny gonna force Bill into retirement,” they stated.
Manny gonna force Bill into retirement.
— Seth (@Seth_Cole33) January 28, 2025
Next, one UNC supporter detailed how they did not believe that the Tar Heels would make the playoffs next season.
“Love the Tarheels but this prediction is absurd,” they outlined.
Love the Tarheels but this prediction is absurd
— Jethro (@uncomniman) January 28, 2025
Finally, one person thought that UNC and Louisville making the CFP over Clemson was just not right.
“Louisville and UNC over Clemson? Cmon now,” they said.
Louisville and UNC over Clemson?
Cmon now.— CJ (@Xraade) January 28, 2025
ESPN 2026 CFP Prediction Analysis
As is evident, the ESPN prediction for the College Football Playoff included some interesting choices and omissions. As social media has stated, the Tar Heels making the playoffs is shocking. What is also shocking is that the Oregon Ducks, the program that was the No. 1 seed in the CFP last year, was omitted from the prediction.
Though they will be losing players, the roster is still talented and should be able to compete next year.
In the prediction, the Georgia Bulldogs, Penn State Nittany Lions, Utah Utes, and Louisville Cardinals received first-round byes.
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The College Football Playoff field also included the Boise State Broncos, the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Texas Longhorns, the LSU Tigers, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Michigan Wolverines, and the aforementioned UNC Tar Heels.
Finally, Connelly had next year’s national championship game featuring a Penn State victory over the Georgia Bulldogs for the program’s first title since 1986.
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