UNC Football
Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Football.
Patriots QB Drake Maye motivated by 'humbling' Super Bowl defeat
"I think that's the biggest thing about it: It's humbling. You've got to get back to work. When you're so close and within reach, you want that feeling. Everybody says, 'You'll be back.' It's not that easy. So, we've got to get back to work, and I'm looking forward to trying to prove to myself we can get back and just have another year to get a chance at it." (
NFL.com)
Newsletter: Michael Malone Hired, UNC and the Transfer Portal, Maximo Adams still a Tar Heel
What a week!
Michael Malone was hired as UNC’s new Men’s Basketball coach, the transfer portal is in overdrive,
Maximo Adams is still a Tar Heel,
Bill Belichick went Bananas, Women’s Basketball landed three commitments, there was a Softball no-hitter, a new Baseball commitment, and more in this week's newsletter. (
Tar Heel Times Newsletter)
Melkart Abou Jaoude Takes Nothing for Granted, it's the Work that Counts
In the modern era of transfer portal, NIL, and poaching, it was a bit of a surprise that Melkart Abou Jaoude remained at UNC for his final season of college football. The 260-pound defensive terror off the edge probably could have gone anywhere; certainly programs with pedigrees for winning at a level higher than what has been the norm at UNC. (
TarHeel247)
Savannah Bananas put Bill Belichick to work during Chapel Hill stop
On Saturday,
Bill Belichick took a break from spring practice at UNC to try his hand at coaching first base for the Savannah Bananas, who took on the Texas Tailgaters in the first of a two-game series at Kenan Stadium. The eternally grumpy Belichick was in great spirits, doffing his cap to the crowd while sporting a cut-off hoodie with a Bananas logo. (
Yahoo! Sports)
Tar Heel Football Odds & Ends
UNC wide receiver
Jordan Shipp made a point of getting to know Billy Edwards as soon as the former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback arrived in Chapel Hill. Edwards, who is 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, started the opener last season at Wisconsin but suffered a PCL injury, sidelining him until week four. "Billy's a great guy, a great player," Shipp said. (
TarHeel247)
Why defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude chose to stay at UNC
UNC defensive end
Melkart Abou-Jaoude had opportunities elsewhere this offseason, but chose to remain at UNC because of his belief in the program and the relationships he built last season. He pointed to the opportunity Carolina gave him in 2025, his connection with his teammates, and his desire to help the Tar Heels continue in the right direction. (
TarHeel247)
Will Hardy Named To NFF Hampshire Honor Society
UNC defensive back
Will Hardy has been named to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, the organization announced Wednesday. Hardy played in 51 career games during his time in Chapel Hill, starting 16 games including all 12 last season. He served as one of the team captains and finished third on the team in tackles with 53. (
GoHeels.com)
UNC Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino's Contract Made Public
North Carolina has released its employment agreement with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who signed a two-year deal valued at $2.35 million on Feb. 16, 2026. The contract runs through Jan. 5, 2028. The former Arkansas and Louisville head football coach, who turned 65 last month, will make $1 million this year and $1.35 million in 2027-28. (
Inside Carolina)
Bill Belichick’s happy classroom checks, Christo Kelly’s hardest season, and UNC’s spring reset
Bill Belichick was grinning as if he had just won another Super Bowl. UNC offensive lineman
Christo Kelly and a teammate were walking to class when they spotted their coach coming the other direction. "Coach, what were you up to?" Kelly asked. Belichick had been checking classrooms, making sure his players were where they were supposed to be. (
Tar Heel Tribune)
UNC Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick Focuses on Daily Improvement in Spring Practice
North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick met with reporters ahead of the Tar Heels' seventh spring football practice on Tuesday. Belichick discussed what he has seen from UNC's defense thus far this spring, the difference between FCS and Power Conference play, and more. Here are video and key takeaways from Belichick's press conference. (
TarHeel247)