3 Glaring Factors Contributing to UNC's Winning Ways in 2026

During the offseason, football in Chapel Hill seemed dead. Heading into the midseason portion of the schedule, the North Carolina Tar Heels have overcome adversity and investigations to drive a turnaround in Bill Belichick's second season as head coach.

Maybe the resignation of Michael Lombardi was the weight that lifted to improve the team, but the Tar Heels have found ways to win this season, and one could argue they should be a game away from reaching bowl eligibility, with the possibility of being ranked. How is North Carolina doing this? Here are three ways they are winning games this season.

Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

1. Talent Improvement

The Tar Heels have a litany of freshmen beginning to find key roles on game days. They also had several players return to the program while adding high-ceiling, untapped talent from the transfer portal. The tight end position is outstanding with Jelani Thurman and Shamar Easter, while the trenches on both sides of the ball have improved significantly.

Thurman UNC — Oct 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Jelani Thurman (45) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I would argue North Carolina downgraded at quarterback with Billy Edwards Jr., but I don't fault Gio Lopez for finding greener pastures, and he's not doing too bad in Winston-Salem. Overall, North Carolina got better, though with flaws still glaring at important spots, and enough to secure some big wins for Belichick.

2. Coaching

Belichick UNC — Oct 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; *North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Ade Willie (3) talks with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick (right) during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Is North Carolina winning games by 10-plus points each week? No, most of these games have been won within one possession, including the win over the Duke Blue Devils last week. The biggest key to that has been the execution on both sides of the ball in situational football (third downs, red zone, etc.); adjusting the game plan during the game instead of waiting until the last minute; and trusting your best players to make plays.

The job that Belichick and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino have done this season is terrific, but it doesn't stop there.

3. Player Development

Lewis UNC — Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Xavier Lewis (90) against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We always knew that Belichick was a great coach, considering he's the greatest NFL coach of all time, but we didn't know if it would translate to the college level. What do you know? Belichick's coaching has done it again, and it is evident in his player development.

Xavier Lewis went from a walk-on player to being one of the best defensive tackles in the sport within a calendar year; Greg Smith went from a sub-package defender to being the best defensive back on the roster; and Thurman went from a hidden talent at Ohio State to developing into one of the ACC's best overall weapons. Those are just a few examples of how much North Carolina has grown, and it is thanks to Belichick and his staff.

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