Biggest Questions UNC Football Still Faces Before Week 1

The Tar Heels still have plenty of things to address before the season opener.

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks to the clock in the fourth quarter game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Over the last several weeks, we have learned and gathered a surplus of information about the North Carolina Tar Heels football program.

However, lingering questions remain as the Tar Heels' season opener against TCU on Aug. 29 approaches. With Week 1 just seven days away, here are questions North Carolina still needs to answer before the first game of the season.

What's Steve Belichick's Status?

UNC football defensive coordinator Steve Belichick during a press conference on Aug. 6, 2025, inside the Kenan Football Center. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

North Carolina's defensive coordinator has been on medical leave since Aug. 6, and his status is still up in the air. The most important thing is Belichick's health. That being said, it was poor timing for a team in the midst of training camp, especially considering that both sides of the ball have plenty of incoming pieces.

Fortunately, the Tar Heels' defense features multiple players who are familiar with the system and have been in the equation for at least one season. However, you never want a premier coach on your staff to be unavailable this close to the season.

Can Billy Edwards Jr. Lead UNC's Offense?

Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to the sidelines between plays during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bill Belichick, Bobby Petrino, and the rest of the coaching staff officially named Edwards Jr. as the Tar Heels' starting quarterback earlier this week. While the consensus thought heading into training camp was that the Wisconsin transfer quarterback was the favorite for the job, that narrative slowly shifted.

Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill had established himself as a legitimate candidate for the job before the team ultimately chose Edwards Jr. to open the season under center. Experience played a major part in this decision, but I'm still not convinced the six-year veteran will pan out. I could be proven wrong, but until we see Edwards Jr. playing at a competent level, doubts and concerns will remain.

How Long Does Belichick Last As Head Coach?

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It goes without saying that the 74-year-old head coach is entering this season in a scorching hot seat, following a 4-8 2025 season, including a 2-6 record in conference play.

Belichick was one of the most popular topics of discussion in Chapel Hill this offseason and one of the most polarizing storylines in college football. The longtime NFL head coach entered North Carolina with lofty expectations, and he didn't even meet the bare minimum. Last season was the first time the Tar Heels didn't qualify for bowl eligibility since 2018.

If North Carolina stumbles out of the gate and is a lowly 1-5 or 2-4 by the midway point of the season, could the front office pull the plug and move on from Belichick? Or will the Tar Heels' brass allow the head coach to see out the 2026 season before hitting the reset button? Both are plausible and increase the sense of urgency for North Carolina to start the season on the right foot.