Football

Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick reacts against the California Golden Bears in the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels face their fair share of difficult opponents this upcoming season.

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Sep 20, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Jordan Washington (84) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' tight end room may have the highest ceiling of any position on the roster heading into 2026.

Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson on the dirt track before the 2026 Kentucky Oaks race at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026

The Tar Heels are undergoing a lot of change following a 4-8 2025 season.

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) watches pre-game warmups at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images

After Gio Lopez transferred, the Tar Heels have an intriguing room at quarterback.

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) rushes around the end during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

The former Tar Heels' quarterback did not mince his words when discussing his experience in Chapel Hill last season.

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (12) gives a stiff arm to Syracuse Orange defensive back Braheem Long Jr. (0) while scoring a touchdown in the third quarter at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Success for North Carolina's offense could come from their run game this upcoming season.

This young quarterback could make some noise in Chapel Hill.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; TV analyst Bill Belichick watches the Miami Hurricanes play the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

An underwhelming second season could be a disaster for North Carolina football head coach Bill Belichick.

Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Following the end of spring ball, it is a great time to predict the Tar Heels' football season.

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) with center Austin Blaske (58) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Let's look at how the Tar Heels can replace one of their key starters from last season.

Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with the team before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels will need several players to step up in 2026 following NFL Draft.

Sep 9, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange linebacker Derek McDonald (15) against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The transfer portal brutalized North Carolina's linebacker corps. Now, the incoming transfers face an unknown heading into the 2026 season.

Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick addresses the media after the second half of the game against NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

With the 2026 NFL Draft officially over, the 73-year-old head coach needs to make sure he has these three things set.

With a solid year in Chapel Hill, UNC may only get one more year from its top returning wide receiver.

Nov 8, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with Stanford Cardinal head coach Frank Reich after the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels will need multiple freshmen to step up in 2026 if they want to return to postseason play.

Here is a look at how the Tar Heels will be affected by multiple players departing for the NFL Draft.

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) runs as Richmond Spiders wide receiver Ja'Vion Griffin (5) defends in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. The play was later called back due to a penalty. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels must find their replacements for their losses at cornerback this offseason.

Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Marcus Allen (29) celebrates after making an interception in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Let's grade the landing spots for North Carolina football's top prospects following the NFL Draft.

Bill Belichick must do a better job putting his talent in positions for success, especially when it comes to the pros.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels mascot cheers during a timeout against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels will be one of the top teams to watch next season, with a new head coach in place and several moving parts in the personnel.

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick watches play during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels have a couple of players who could be first- or second-round picks in next year's NFL draft.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina defensive back Thaddeus Dixon (DB08) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels veteran defensive back signs with New York as an undrafted free agent.

Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Marcus Allen (29) reacts with defensive back Antavious Lane (1) after intercepting the ball in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels' defensive back signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in 2023.

No Tar Heels were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is not shocking. Yet, the embarrassment is there.

Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights running back Myles Montgomery (22) is tackled by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Leroy Jackson (91) during the first quarter at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels will be dependent on their defense, with the offense incorporating several newcomers.

Football

Ranking North Carolina's Four Toughest Games of 2026

Ranking North Carolina's Four Toughest Games of 2026

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