North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick had some thoughts on what has made a difference for his team compared to last season.
The North Carolina Tar Heels were able to grab a massive win this past weekend over East Tennessee State, starting the new year 2-0.
After a troubling first season under head coach Bill Belichick a year ago, the Tar Heels have been able to perform at a higher level this season. Much of this has to do with Belichick having more familiarity with the college game, but also the team having a stronger roster.
One player who has made a big difference is tight end Jelani Thurman, who transferred over from Ohio State. Having Thurman has given the Tar Heels' offense a new look, opening space across the field for this team.
After the team's Week 2 win, Belichick reflected on this, saying that Thurman being on the roster is a big difference from a year ago.
"It's been a huge difference. Jelani's been a real weapon for us. Again, anytime you get a good player in the middle of the field where he has the options to go down the field or go across or go outside, he just has a lot more space to work in than a permanent receiver does. And obviously, he's a big target, and he's good with the ball in his hands," Belichick said.
In the North Carolina win over the weekend, Thurman caught four passes for 71 yards and one touchdown. Thurman gives the Tar Heels a different type of playmaker that they didn't have a year ago, and North Carolina has taken advantage of it fully.
Overall, Thurman has caught eight passes for 165 yards and one touchdown. Having a go-to guy like this for quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has given him more confidence, and it's opened the entire offense.
"Having a tight end has been an important part of the offense. Coach Petrino does a great job of utilizing players in that position, and it's a tough matchup on defense. Hard to find somebody to cover those guys," Belichick said.
If Thurman can continue to be involved in the passing game, the Tar Heels could potentially surprise some people this season. North Carolina wants to build for the future of the program with Belichick leading the way and so far, it's been a great start to the 2026 season.
But this team is far from finished, understanding that they have to keep the pressure on as the long year goes on. Next up for the Tar Heels is the biggest test yet, a road game against the Clemson Tigers.
