North Carolina jumped up 2 spots to No. 12 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll.

The Tar Heels were No. 14 in the poll last week, but made a jump in Week 6 thanks to its 40-7 win over Syracuse.

Drake Maye threw for 442 yards in the win. He also scored 4 total touchdowns (3 passing) in what was arguably his best game of the season so far.

It was also the season debut for transfer receiver Tez Walker, who learned he would be eligible for the game on Thursday of last week. He caught 6 passes for 43 yards in his debut.

North Carolina’s defense continues to show off its improvements. It held Syracuse to just 7 points on Saturday and has still only yielded 2 passing touchdowns during the entire 2023 campaign.

North Carolina, Florida State and Louisville appear to be the top contenders for the ACC at the midway point of the season. Those 3 teams are all ranked in the top 25 this week. Duke and Miami also made the cut.

North Carolina will face Miami in a top-25 showdown next week.