Top 20 UNC Football Teams: No. 3 - 1981

Posted May 16, 2020
Sitting at 6-0 and ranked No. 3 in the nation in 1981, the Tar Heels hosted a solid South Carolina team at Kenan Stadium. North Carolina started the season on fire, routing nonconference foes while racking up huge numbers, including by tailback Kelvin Bryant, who was on his way to serious Heisman Trophy contention when he went down with a knee injury. (Tar Heel Illustrated)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Michael Lombardi out as UNC investigators probe allegations into Steve Belichick, staff, players
North Carolina Football general manager Michael Lombardi resigned on Thursday after a tumultuous tenure in Chapel Hill working alongside head coach Bill Belichick. But the...
Thu Sep 3, 2026

Michael Lombardi Resigns From UNC Football General Manager Role
"Michael Lombardi has resigned as General Manager of the University of North Carolina’s football program," the school announced. "The University will continue its investigation and...
Thu Sep 3, 2026

UNC Football Unveils Alternate Uniforms Inspired By 1980 ACC Championship Team
In conjunction with the 100th Season of Kenan Stadium, Carolina Football has unveiled a new alternate uniform inspired by the 1980 ACC Championship Team. The...
Thu Sep 3, 2026

Bill Belichick’s Two-Year Players Paying Defensive Dividends
This year, when UNC again faced TCU in its opener, the Tar Heels’ personnel continuity was much higher, and that single factor played an enormous...
Thu Sep 3, 2026