What does EA College Football 26 rank the UNC football program at launch?

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The anticipated release of EA Sports College Football 26, the second edition since the game returned last summer, is set for this week!

Those of you who preordered will be able to play the game on Monday, July 7, while the rest of the world will have to wait a few extra days until Thursday, July 10.

Regardless, it's time to virtually take the UNC football program to the promise land (in whichever game play mode you elect to focus on!)

Ahead of the release of this year's edition of the game, let's take a look at how the UNC football program ranks as a team. Considered an 82 overall squad, the Tar Heels' defensive unit has a 84 rating, while the offense, with questions at the quarterback spot, come in at an 81 overall.

Given North Carolina's struggles on the defensive side of the ball as of late, Tar Heel fans would certainly be thrilled to see some defensive improvements in Bill Belichick's first season at the helm (along with his son, Steve, the program's new defensive coordinator).

To answer the question you're probably asking: no, Bill Belichick is not in the EA Sports College Football 26 game (are you even surprised?).

In terms of individual rankings, you probably couldn't guess the top four rated UNC football players. No, we're not saying you don't have the knowledge, but with so many new faces, even we had trouble figuring out who would rank atop the list.

Another promising sign: three of the Tar Heels top four ranked players play on the defensive side of the football:

Andrew Simpson (MLB)- 87 overall

Thaddeus Dixon (CB) - 86 overall

Marcus Allen (CB) - 85 overall

Chad Lindberg (LG) - 85 overall

While there will be plenty of time to debate the initial rankings, let's take a look at the UNC football program's quarterback room. Transfer Gio Lopez leads the pack with an 83 overall, with veteran Max Johnson and true freshman Bryce Baker falling behind him on the depth chart:

Gio Lopez - 83 overall

Max Johnson - 77 overall

Bryce Baker - 74 overall

Let's remember: the ratings fluctuate over time, so these are not set in stone. If the Tar Heels have some standouts early on in the season, don't be surprised if their rankings go up once the updates start to roll in.

The question remains: are you ready for some virtual college football?!