Overview
- Belichick declined to name a starter between transfer Gio Lopez and veteran Max Johnson for the Sept. 1 primetime opener against TCU.
- UNC sold out season and single-game tickets after Belichick’s hire, with AD Bubba Cunningham saying next year’s playoff contention will factor into his job security.
- Roughly 70 newcomers joined an overhauled roster as Belichick installed an NFL-style structure with sons Steve and Brian on staff and Michael Lombardi in a GM role.
- PFF projects 6.6 wins and FanDuel sets the total at 7.5, with UNC picked eighth in the ACC; Clemson visits Oct. 4 after the TCU debut.
- Belichick emphasizes defensive improvement after years of poor metrics, shows Patriots film to teach techniques, and limited his weekly radio role with Lombardi taking the show.