Preview: UNC field hockey roster features 10 accomplished newcomers

This season marks a new era for UNC field hockey coach Erin Matson. For the first time, the star player-turned-coach will lead a roster that does not feature any of her former teammates. But Matson has assembled an incoming class of field-ready recruits as well as a group of returners looking to redeem last season's Final Four loss with a national title. (Daily Tar Heel)

Fueled by local fast-food favorites, Ryan Gerard aims to win Wyndham Championship

Ryan Gerard grew up in Raleigh about an hour down the road, played junior and high school tournaments at Sedgefield Country Club, attended college at nearby UNC in Chapel Hill and is looking forward to some home-cooking this week at the Wyndham Championship. Or at least some Cook Out and Bojangles, two of his go-to fast-food establishments. (USA Today)

Trech Kekahuna Brings Gritty Mindset to UNC Wide Receiver Group

At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, North Carolina wide receiver Trech Kekahuna does not possess the same frame as a "typical" Power Four receiver, but Kekahuna makes up for it with a rugged mindset. "I'm an 11-on-11 dude," Kekahuna said. "There's 7-on-7 dudes, there's 1-on-1 dudes, but when it's 11-on-11 with pads, I'm a guy who will be reliable." (TarHeel247)

Here are seven of Chapel Hill's hidden gems to check out

Tonya’s Cookies and Cafe - Tonya Council, granddaughter of the late Mildred Council, continues her family’s legacy with her own establishment on Elliott Road. Her grandmother’s iconic Southern restaurant, Mama Dip’s Kitchen, was a staple in Chapel Hill for nearly five decades. The unassuming location features a Southern-style bake shop. (Daily Tar Heel)

Former UNC pitcher Cameron Padgett signs with Red Sox

Former East Rowan and UNC right-hander Cameron Padgett has signed a free agent contract with the Boston Red Sox. Padgett, a 6-foot-3 22-year-old, was scouted while he was pitching for the West Virginia Black Bears in the MLB Draft League. Padgett joined the Black Bears in early July and got his first win for the team on July 30, pitching five innings. (Salisbury Post)

How Cameron Fens Rounds Out UNC Basketball's Frontcourt

Cameron Fens is headed to Chapel Hill, and the timing couldn't be better for a UNC Basketball team that has been searching for frontcourt muscle all offseason. The 7-foot, 255-pound center from South Dakota committed to Michael Malone on Friday, becoming the Tar Heels' sixth transfer portal addition of the offseason. (Read More...)

Video: UNC Football 2026 Preview with Bill Belichick, Jordan Shipp, Melkart Abou Jaoude

Bill Belichick enters year two in Chapel Hill. Defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude returns to help anchor the UNC defense, and wide receiver Jordan Shipp is coming off a season where he led the Tar Heels in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The three join the ACCDN for a preview of the 2026 season. (View Video)

Bill Belichick Breaks Down Four Key UNC Defenders

UNC Football opened Week 2 of training camp Thursday morning at the Koman Practice Complex and there’s still plenty to learn about the Tar Heels’ defense. Before practice, however, Bill Belichick shared his thoughts on four defenders he believes will play key roles for North Carolina in 2026 — Jaylen Harvey, Ade Willie, Kaleb Cost, and Leroy Jackson. (Inside Carolina)

Power Echols Signs With Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks signed linebacker Power Echols on Friday. Echols, a three-year starter and a team captain at North Carolina, initially came into the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Bears following the 2025 NFL Draft. Echols was later signed to Chicago's practice squad. He also spent time on Houston's practice squad last season. (Seattle Seahawks)

A Bill Belichick call at Buc-ee’s changed UNC LB Derek McDonald’s football path

Derek McDonald was at a Buc-ee’s in Florida, unsure where the next step in his football journey would take him when he got a phone call. He might have had his mind on a brisket sandwich, but that quickly changed. "I got a call from a Massachusetts number, and it’s like, 'Hey, this is Bill Belichick,'" McDonald said. "I’m like, 'Yeah, I know who you are.'" (Tar Heel Tribune)

UNC Football's Acclimation Period is Complete, Now Position Battles Truly Begin

North Carolina donned full pads for the first time since training camp started on Wednesday but was back in shorts and shoulder pads on Thursday, which was the Tar Heels' seventh practice ahead of the 2026 college football season. Thus, it signals a strong shift for the team, as it's entering the next phase, and perhaps the most telling part of camp. (TarHeel247)

Video: IC Reaction Podcast - Cameron Fens Commits to UNC Basketball

Cameron Fens, a 7-foot, 255-pound center from South Dakota, recently granted an extra season of eligibility, has committed to Michael Malone and UNC Basketball. Inside Carolina's Sherrell McMillan, Sean Moran, and Joey Powell discuss how this commitment happened and what it means for the Tar Heels. (View Video)

UNC Women's Lacrosse No. 1 In Way-Early 2027 Rankings

UNC Women's Lacrosse knows full well that preseason predictions mean little in August. But UNC will certainly cash in on the returns of the majority of its scoring, headlined by superstar Chloe Humphrey. The Tar Heels return three of their top five goal scorers in Humphrey, Addison Pattillo, and Eliza Osburn. Two-way midfielder Kate Levy also returns. (USA Lacrosse Magazine)

How UNC wide receiver Trech Kekahuna adds 'dog mentality' to Tar Heels offense

Trech Kekahuna feels like he’s always been overlooked. That’s just what happens to players from Hawaii, he said. But as the transfer receiver from Wisconsin looks to carve out a role in UNC’s wide receiver group, he’ll lean on his background. "I feel like being from Hawaii just builds like a type of dog mentality, and I feel like I have that inside of me." (MSN.com)

Colts WR Josh Downs sees opportunity approaching

This is Josh Downs' moment. "I'm trying to show I'm a really good receiver," the Indianapolis Colts wideout said. He averaged 787 receiving yards and 103 targets in his first two seasons (2023-2024) and seemed to be an ascending player. But myriad factors impacted Downs' usage last season, when he had a career-low 566 yards on 58 receptions. (ESPN)

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