UNC Football Facing Increased Optimism After Win Over TCU

Entering the 2026 college football season, no one knew what to expect from legendary head coach Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

After hiring Belichick last offseason, the Tar Heels came up well short of expectations. When all was said and done for the 2025 season, North Carolina mustered up a rough 4-8 overall record. The Tar Heels went just 2-6 in ACC play.

Despite the poor showing last season, there was hope that Belichick could get the program back on track.

To open up the season, North Carolina handled its business against the TCU Horned Frogs. Not only did the Tar Heels win, but they won on the road. It wasn't pretty, but the 15-10 final score was good enough for the team to move to 1-0 on the young season.

Following the win over TCU, the North Carolina football program has received renewed excitement from the media.

CBS Sports college football reporter Chris Hummer is more optimistic about the Tar Heels following their win over the Horned Frogs than he was before.

"I came out of this a little more optimistic about UNC," Hummer said. "What I do know about TCU is they have the best defensive line they've had in a couple of years. UNC's offensive line held up in a way that really surprised me; they didn't run the ball exceptionally well, but Billy Edwards was largely protected."

Fellow CBS analyst Brandon Marcello also revealed what stood out to him from the win.

"That defensive front was so dynamic," Marcello said. "I did not expect that from North Carolina. That gives me a lot of hope about North Carolina. Their offense under Bobby Petrino is only going to get better."

Hummer also revealed his thoughts about the way quarterback Billy Edwards played in his debut at North Carolina.

"Frankly, Billy Edwards looked like the guy he was at Maryland," Hummer said. "I'm not saying he's exceptional, but he can be an above-average ACC starter for North Carolina. Compared to the play they had at that position last year, that's a big upgrade."

Whether or not the season opener will translate to more success for the Tar Heels remains to be seen. North Carolina has a lot of talent on its roster and Belichick is still one of the best head coaches in NFL history.

Only time will tell, but the program was able to get off to exactly the start it need to have.