By : Ethan Horner
(Photo / Chris Seward / North Carolina Preview)
A new chapter begins in Chapel Hill this Labor Day weekend — Bill Belichick leads the Tar Heels into battle as they face the TCU Horned Frogs. The Tar Heels are making headlines this offseason as a six-time Super Bowl champion takes over as their new head coach. Transfer quarterback Gio Lopez emerged as the clear winner of the offseason quarterback battle over Max Johnson, earning the starting job heading into the year. Lopez brings both experience and versatility to the Tar Heels’ offense after a strong 2024 campaign at South Alabama, where he threw for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns. What makes him even more dangerous is his ability to make plays with his legs, racking up 465 rushing yards and 7 additional touchdowns on the ground.
The Tar Heels enter the season as 3-point underdogs on their own turf, a line that reflects both the uncertainty and the intrigue surrounding this new era of Carolina football. With legendary six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick now leading the program, the eyes of the college football world will be locked on Chapel Hill to see how his NFL pedigree translates to the college game. The debut will offer the first real glimpse at what a Belichick-led Tar Heels team looks like — from his defensive schemes to how he manages a roster full of fresh talent and transfers. While expectations are high and curiosity even higher, one thing is certain: every snap in Year 1 under Belichick will be under the microscope.