Ricky Lanier, first Black scholarship football player at UNC, dies at 76

Posted Oct 15, 2025
Williamston is mourning the death of another legend in the world of football. A celebration of life ceremony was held in Greensboro on Sunday, Oct. 12 for Ricky Lanier who died Oct. 1, according to his obituary. He was 76. Lanier was possibly best known for his status as the first Black scholarship football player at the University of North Carolina. (Greenville Daily Reflector)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

UNC’s defensive line makes statement in revenge win against TCU
After allowing 111 rushing yards in the first half, UNC's defensive front held the Horned Frogs to 26 rushing yards on 22 attempts in the...
Tue Sep 1, 2026

UNC snap counts from win over TCU reveal numerous iron men
The numbers behind North Carolina Football's 15-10 win over TCU tell a story of two units with a lot of endurance. ACC Linebacker of the...
Tue Sep 1, 2026

UNC vs. TCU: Winners, Losers, and Honorable Mentions
There’s still concern about how good this season is going to be for UNC Football. Still, the Tar Heels entered as a 9-point underdog and...
Tue Sep 1, 2026

Video: Tar Heel Tribune - UNC vs. TCU Postgame Breakdown
On this week's "Tar Heel Tribune Podcast," hosts Britt Whitmire, R.L. Bynum, and Doc Kennedy break down what transpired in Dublin during UNC Football's surprising...
Tue Sep 1, 2026