College football teams on the rise in 2021 Posted Jan 12, 2021 Rapid ascension. North Carolina nearly closed out its second season under Mack Brown inside the Top 10 with a win over fifth-ranked Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl, but it wasn't to be. The statement was made, however. The Tar Heels are here and they're not going away anytime soon. Brown attributed the program's noticeable lift to QB Sam Howell. (247 Sports)