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33m ago

Belichick’s UNC Set for Opener as GM Lauds Jordan’s Pull, Questions Readiness

Opponents report limited scouting clues for a first look at Belichick’s college blueprint.

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Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels speaks during the ACC Football Kickoff at Hilton Charlotte Uptown on July 24, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JULY 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels gives a thumbs up during the ACC Football Kickoff at Hilton Charlotte Uptown on July 24, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; ESPN analyst Nick Saban before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Overview

  • North Carolina opens the season on Labor Day against TCU at Kenan Stadium, where Sonny Dykes said it is hard to game-plan given the new staff and overhauled roster.
  • Belichick named South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez the starting quarterback, with other starting roles largely undisclosed ahead of kickoff.
  • General manager Michael Lombardi said Michael Jordan’s presence is a recruiting asset beyond funding, with UNC’s 2017 Jordan Brand deal continuing to support scholarships, facilities and NIL operations.
  • Lombardi voiced uncertainty about the Tar Heels’ identity without preseason-style reps against other teams, noting the challenge of judging speed and readiness.
  • Belichick has installed an NFL-style approach built on Patriots film study and a rebuilt roster of roughly 70 newcomers, while Nick Saban said his player-development strength should translate to college.