Bill Belichick returns for his second season after a 4-8 (2-6 ACC) campaign, aiming to turn North Carolina into an ACC contender. Bobby Petrino comes over from Arkansas to take over the offensive coordinator duties. Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards has 16 starts at the power conference level, and UNC will look to get more out of running backs Demon June and Benjamin Hall. Jordan Shipp returns as the leading receiver from a year ago, while Wisconsin transfer Trech Kekahuna will look to boost production in the receiver room. The offensive line will feature many new starters, and the offense will need quick improvement across the board.

Last year the spotlight was on Dad, but now it’s on son as defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave as opening day draws near. Leroy Jackson and Melkart Abou-Jaoude return on the defensive line. The linebacker room will look dramatically different this year, led by Syracuse transfer Derek McDonald. The Tar Heels lost their top three tacklers from a year ago, and only four of the top eleven remain. The secondary remains their strongest unit, with Jaiden Patterson, Coleman Bryson, and Kaleb Cost returning.

First-year special teams coordinator Billy Miller gets right to work replacing the field goal kicker, punter, and punt returner from last year’s team. Kick returner Jaylen McGill returns. The Tar Heels will need much more from their running game and must improve in the trenches on both sides of the ball if they want to take a step forward in 2026.