The Road to 2026: North Carolina Tar Heels’ Journey Under Bill Belichick
In just three short months, the college football season will be back in full swing. For the North Carolina Tar Heels, this upcoming 2026 campaign marks a pivotal moment as they continue their journey under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick. This is Year 2 for Belichick at UNC, and the program is expected to undergo significant changes as it looks to turn things around.
One of the most anticipated games of the 2026 season will take place when the Tar Heels face off against TCU in Dublin, Ireland. This game will serve as one of the first matches of the season, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. Currently, North Carolina is listed as a 6 1/2-point underdog, but that prediction may shift as we get closer to kickoff.
A Critical Question at Quarterback
The biggest question surrounding the team right now is who will start at quarterback. Two players are vying for the starting role: Billy Edwards, a transfer from Wisconsin, and Taron Dickens, a transfer from Western Carolina. Both have their own unique backgrounds and potential, but the decision will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s offensive strategy.
According to CBS Sports’ rankings of every projected 2026 Power Conference starter, Edwards ranks 55th out of 68 quarterbacks. While this placement might seem low, it’s important to consider the context. Belichick’s quarterback room for 2026 is entirely new, with a mix of transfers and freshmen. Among them, Edwards stands out as a key addition. He was originally set to be the Badgers’ QB1 last fall, but his season was cut short due to a knee injury in the opener.
Before joining Wisconsin, Edwards had a three-year stint at Maryland, where he started 7-7 games. His time there saw him complete 273 of 420 passes for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, the team struggled during his tenure, finishing with a 4-8 record. Similarly, Wisconsin faced challenges without Edwards last year, also ending up with a 4-8 record.
UNC’s Recent Performance
North Carolina’s performance in 2025 was equally disappointing, as the team finished with a 4-8 record. Their wins came against some of the weaker teams in the league, including a historically weak Charlotte program, an FCS school in Richmond, and two sub-.500 Power Four programs—Syracuse and Stanford. These results highlight the need for significant improvement moving forward.
If Billy Edwards is named the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, he will carry a heavy burden on his shoulders. The expectations for him will be high, especially as he looks to lead the offense to greater success. With the support of a revamped coaching staff and a new roster, there is hope that Edwards can help elevate the Tar Heels to new heights.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Tar Heels and how they navigate the challenges ahead. The team has the opportunity to make a strong statement early in the season with their game in Ireland. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this new chapter under Belichick can bring about the change that the program desperately needs.
With a fresh start and a new set of players, the Tar Heels are poised for a season filled with potential. Whether it’s through the leadership of a new quarterback or the development of young talent, the road to success will require dedication, hard work, and a commitment to improvement.
