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

Video: Carolina Football - The Process, Episode 2
North Carolina Football's long-form video feature The Process, Episode 2 goes behind-the-scenes with the Tar Heels' to highlight preparations for the upcoming season, team-building activities,...
Wed May 20, 2026

Bill Belichick opens up on relationship with first UNC Football team
"The group last year, I wouldn’t say they were disrespectful, that’s not the right word, but it was different. It was like they were recruited...
Wed May 20, 2026

Two UNC Football Players No Longer With Team Following Spring Practice
Two UNC Football players left the program following spring practice, a team spokesman confirmed Tuesday. Wide receiver Shenard Clower and defensive back Ty Adams are...
Tue May 19, 2026

UNC Football Opponent Snapshot: East Tennessee State
In an otherwise gauntlet of a football schedule — one of the country's toughest — North Carolina's lone game against a non-Power 4 opponent comes...
Mon May 18, 2026