Bill Belichick returns for his second season after North Carolina finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in ACC play in 2025. Bobby Petrino arrives from Arkansas as offensive coordinator, and Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards takes over at quarterback after 16 Power Conference starts. Benjamin Hall has emerged as the starting running back, with Demon June and Jaylen McGill also providing backfield options. Jordan Shipp and Trech Kekahuna return in the receiving corps, while tight end Jelani Thurman has emerged as another important target in the passing game. With several new offensive line starters, North Carolina needs that experience to build continuity and define the offense’s direction.

Steve Belichick remains on medical leave and has resigned as defensive coordinator effective Oct. 27. North Carolina returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top three. Melkart Abou-Jaoude and Leroy Jackson return as full-time starters after each made 11 starts, while Kaleb Cost, Jaiden Patterson, Coleman Bryson, Derek McDonald, and Isaiah Johnson bring starting experience across the unit. With major turnover on defense, North Carolina needs those returning starters to steady the unit.

Billy Miller takes over as special teams coordinator as North Carolina replaces last season’s primary specialists. LSU transfer Aeron Burrell handles punting and kickoff duties and is one of the placekicking options alongside Rece Verhoff. Trech Kekahuna has taken over as the primary punt returner, while Jaylen McGill returns with kickoff-return experience.

North Carolina enters 2026 with a new offensive coordinator and significant turnover on the offensive line, at linebacker, and across special teams. Edwards brings experience at quarterback, while Hall has taken on a leading role in the backfield, and Thurman has emerged as another receiving option. The Tar Heels return several experienced defenders, but the central question remains how quickly the new pieces come together.