Tar Heel Times

Preview: UNC field hockey roster features 10 accomplished newcomers

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:23:00 -0400

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.

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

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:14:00 -0400

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.

Trech Kekahuna Brings Gritty Mindset to UNC Wide Receiver Group

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 19:17:00 -0400

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."

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

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:38:00 -0400

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.

Former UNC pitcher Cameron Padgett signs with Red Sox

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:56:00 -0400

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.

How Cameron Fens Rounds Out UNC Basketball's Frontcourt

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:11:00 -0400

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.

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

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:06:00 -0400

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.

Bill Belichick Breaks Down Four Key UNC Defenders

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:04:00 -0400

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.

Power Echols Signs With Seattle Seahawks

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 08:02:00 -0400

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.

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

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 07:49:00 -0400

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.'"

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

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:16:00 -0400

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.

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

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:46:00 -0400

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.

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

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:43:00 -0400

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.

7-foot transfer center Cameron Fens commits to UNC Basketball

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:01:00 -0400

South Dakota transfer center Cameron Fens has committed to the North Carolina Tar Heels, according to his rep Craig Owens of Ecos Group. The 7-foot senior big man averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game this past college basketball season, earning First Team All-Summit League and Summit League All-Defensive Team honors.

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

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:10:00 -0400

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."

Colts WR Josh Downs sees opportunity approaching

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:08:00 -0400

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.

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Strong Non-Conference Schedule

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:13:00 -0400

UNC's non-conference basketball schedule contains a high-powered lineup featuring Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, and the newly confirmed West Virginia matchup at the Dick Vitale Invitational. What could the Tar Heels' competitive schedule mean for NCAA Tournament seeding?

College football archenemies for every power-conference team

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:07:00 -0400

We compiled a list of the archenemies of every Power-4 school and the stories that make them public enemy No. 1. North Carolina: Bobby Bowden. If the Tar Heels are the "sleeping giant" of college football, credit Bowden with doling out strong doses of ZzzQuil. From 1992, when the 'Noles joined the ACC, through 2000, Florida State was 9-0 vs. UNC.

Matt Able Ready to Trade Supporting Role for Starring Opportunity at UNC

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:13:00 -0400

Sophomore guard Matt Able's move from Raleigh to Chapel Hill is historic. He is believed to be the first Wolfpack basketball player to transfer directly to North Carolina in the modern era, crossing rivalry lines after one season at NC State. However, his previous affiliation should quickly become secondary if he produces at the level the Tar Heels expect.

Dave Hanners coached Allen Iverson, says Terrence Brown reminds him of 'The Answer'

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:10:00 -0400

For three seasons as a Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, Dave Hanners had a front-row seat to marvel at Allen Iverson’s talent. When Hanners, a former UNC player and assistant coach, saw Terrence Brown during summer workouts and scrimmages at the Smith Center, "I thought I was watching Allen Iverson...because Terrence Brown is a walking clone."