Tar Heels' Offense Explodes in Win Over UConn Huskies

Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels secured a 38-21 win over the UConn Huskies to improve to 5-4 on the season. 

The Tar Heels aren't yet contenders for the College Football Playoff, but they have taken a step forward in Belichick's second year running the program. North Carolina went 4-8 in the 2025 season, but they have been much more competitive in 2026.

The Tar Heels offense played at a high level in the win over the Huskies, as Billy Edwards Jr. completed 29 of 38 passes for 255 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.

This season, Edwards has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,127 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He is putting together a great final season of his collegiate career.

It was one of Edwards' best games of the season, as North Carolina's offense continues to improve as the season goes on. He connected with star tight end Jelani Thurman seven times for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

Jordan Shipp also had five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown, as a reliable target for Edwards.

The run game was also strong for the Tar Heels, as Benjamin Hall rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on nine carries (nine yards per carry). Hall added four receptions for 26 yards through the air. Demon June was also solid with 60 yards on 15 carries, along with two receptions for 31 yards.

It was one of North Carolina's most productive games on offense in 2026, and they will look to ride the momentum ahead of their matchup against the Louisville Cardinals.

The Tar Heels' defense also played at a high level, as they held the Huskies to 21 points. They picked off Kalieb Osborne twice, with Timir Hickman-Collins returning one for a touchdown. Hickman-Collins also recovered a fumble.

They also put some pressure on Osborne, as Peyton Seelmann had two sacks and Melkart Abou Jaoude added another sack.

Belichick and North Carolina have a chance to win out the remainder of their 2026 season, with matchups against Louisville, Virginia, and NC State.

If the Tar Heels are able to win out, they could end the season as a ranked program and have the momentum heading into 2027 to make it into the College Football Playoff, with the expanded teams going from a 12-team format to a 24-team format.

North Carolina will lean on their offense to keep playing at a high level down the stretch to win games.