Bill Belichick pairs with Bobby Petrino to spark a North Carolina Tar Heels' turnaround. Despite a daunting schedule, an overhauled transfer roster aims to transform a 4-8 disappointment into bowl eligibility.
The learning curve should be over at the North Carolina Tar Heels, who finished 4-8 in head coach Bill Belichick's first season coaching at the college level at any capacity.
The Tar Heels have an upgraded roster, which should help the team better compete in the ACC.
Belichick fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and replaced him with Bobby Petrino. Petrino has a long history of getting the best out of his offenses, and UNC should be more dangerous with a better offensive mind calling plays.
However, the schedule is daunting for the Tar Heels, and making a bowl game will be a challenge for Belichick.
Here's a prediction on how UNC should look for the upcoming season.
North Carolina predictions for the 2026 season
Wins: ETSU, Duke, Syracuse, UConn, Virginia, NC State
Losses: TCU, Clemson, Notre Dame, Pitt, Miami, Louisville
Going 6-6 and making a bowl game feels utopian for the Tar Heels. UNC is not likely to be favored against Duke, Virginia, or NC State. But Belichick's staff should be able to outcoach those teams, even if the roster isn't where it should be.
Offensive outlook
UNC is projected to have six transfer starters in the lineup (per OurLads): WR Mason Humphrey, WR Trech Kekahuna, OL Andrew Threatt, OL Jacqawn McRoy, TE Jaxxon Warren, QB Billy Edwards Jr.
How Edwards plays under Petrino will be the key to the season for the Tar Heels. The Wisconsin transfer dealt with injury last season. UNC made significant upgrades at receiver and tight end to help its quarterback out.
Petrino plans to have a power-rushing offense. Running back Demon June is returning to UNC after rushing for 464 yards and two touchdowns. A rebuilt right side of the offensive line could help his production.
Defensive outlook
The Tar Heels are expected to start four transfers this season: Edge Donovan Hoilette Jr., LB Peyton Seelmann, LB Derek McDonald, and CB Ade Willie.
North Carolina's defense ranked No. 38 last season. Frankly, they should be a Top 25 defense this season. That side of the ball is a strength for Belichick and should be much better with an improved roster.
