Overview

• ESPN staged an on-field pregame show with a Monday Night Football-style buildout, and ACC Network also broadcast from Kenan Memorial Stadium as more than 50,000 fans filled a sold-out venue.
• Michael Jordan headlined a star-studded guest list that included Mia Hamm, Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, Randy Moss, Eric Church and Chase Rice, according to multiple broadcast and media reports.
• Belichick named South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez the starting quarterback entering the opener, reinforcing a rapid personnel reset through the transfer portal.
• UNC’s staff reflects an NFL-style structure, with Steve Belichick coordinating the defense, Brian Belichick overseeing the secondary, and Michael Lombardi in a general manager role; Belichick projected roughly 70 newcomers on the roster.
• Off-field scrutiny over Jordon Hudson’s role continued into game night, with reports noting her presence near the team pregame after months of conflicting accounts about her access to facilities.