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

Five Storylines Coming Out of UNC Football’s Second Open Week
UNC Football is coming off its second open week of the season and preparing for No. 3 Notre Dame this Saturday at Kenan Stadium to...
Thu Oct 1, 2026

Bill Belichick Backs Billy Edwards Amid UNC Passing Game Struggles
As UNC prepares for Notre Dame this weekend at Kenan Stadium, fans shouldn’t expect a quarterback change. After Billy Edwards' poor showing at Clemson, questions...
Thu Oct 1, 2026

Video: Wes Durham Joins Tar Heel Tribune Podcast To Discuss UNC Football, Basketball, Woody Durham
Wes Durham joins the "Tar Heel Tribune Podcast" to preview this weekend's UNC vs. Notre Dame matchup, Carolina’s football and men’s basketball programs, the chances...
Thu Oct 1, 2026

Jelani Thurman Embracing His All-Around Role For UNC Football
Three games into his first season at UNC, Jelani Thurman is already showing more of what he can do as a pass catcher. His 11...
Thu Oct 1, 2026