4 Things for UNC Fans To Monitor Before TCU Clash

The Tar Heels kick off the college football season one week from Saturday. There are still some big questions that remain before the ball is kicked off in Dublin.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Excitement is brewing for the start of college football next weekend as the North Carolina Tar Heels and TCU Horned Frogs kick off the regular season in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

Well, not everyone is excited about Tar Heels football after last year's 4-8 debacle in head coach Bill Belichick's first season. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame coach has made numerous changes to the offense in the hopes of streamlining a turnaround and earning bowl eligibility, even though big questions remain heading into the regular season. Here are some of the biggest questions surrounding UNC Football before Week 0.

Will Billy Edwards Jr. Remain QB1 After Week 0?

UNC football quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) could be the Tar Heels' starting quarterback in the 2026 season. Edwards was still wearing a brace on his left knee during the Tar Heels' spring practices. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Fair or not, questions remain about whether Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. can execute within the confines of the Tar Heels' offense under new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. North Carolina added Edwards, Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill, and true freshman Travis Burgess after losing Gio Lopez and Bryce Baker to the transfer portal.

Edwards' starting job is not guaranteed past Week 0. A low performance could mean an extended look at both O'Neill and Burgess against East Tennessee State in Week 2, and after that, it is anyone's guess.

What Will the Tar Heels’ Secondary Composition Be This Fall?

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

North Carolina's defensive back room already has established starters, such as cornerback Jaiden Patterson, nickel defender Kaleb Cost, and Michigan State transfer Ade Willie. The safety room is the one with the most uncertainty, per se.

Veterans Greg Smith and Coleman Bryson are expected to be the starters, but they may be on a shorter leash than others, with blue-chip freshman safety Jakob Weatherspoon lurking in the background. This will be a competitive group all season, and the depth is stout, giving North Carolina plenty of options.

Who Emerges As the No. 1 Tight End?

Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Jaxxon Warren (19) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Four tight ends are in the running to be the most targeted pass-catcher of the bunch: Shamar Easter, Colorado State's Jaxxon Warren, Ohio State's Jelani Thurman, and Texas' Jordan Washington. This is an incredibly talented group with depth and players who can step in when needed without the offense missing a beat.

The most talented player in the room might be Thurman, a former top tight end recruit by the Buckeyes. The Tar Heels will give him plenty of opportunities to show he could be a future player at the next level. Warren seems to have impressed, which could give him the nod for TE1. This will be an interesting but fun group to watch during the year.

Can Bill Belichick Get UNC to a Bowl Game?

Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks out before the first half of the game against NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So much pressure rests on Belichick's shoulders to get the job done in Chapel Hill. For all the hype in fall 2024 through August of last fall, Belichick has failed to come close to expectations. It doesn't help that general manager Michael Lombardi is on paid administrative leave.

This means that Belichick must perform this season, starting in Dublin against a TCU program that could be competing for a Big 12 Championship. Another embarrassing defeat to open the season could push for Belichick's exit from college football sooner rather than later. This will be a development many will be keeping a keen eye on.