By admin 
The UNC Tar Heels football program had a lot of hype heading into the 2025 college football regular season. Bill Belichick was getting ready for his first season as a college football head coach. The stars were out as UNC opened its 2025 season on a national stage on ESPN.
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But the Tar Heels fell flat in 2025.
UNC had a losing record in 2025, missing a bowl game, as several players transferred out of the program. The Tar Heels are more optimistic heading into the 2026 season. However, there isn’t much excitement right now.
Longtime North Carolina sports reporter Ross Martin says that it feels like there’s the least amount of hype surrounding the Tar Heels football program in at least 10 to 15 years, as we inch closer to the fall.
“Feels like the least hype for a UNC football season in the last 10-15 years,” he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
College football fans seem to agree right now
College football fans understand to lessen their expectations with Bill Belichick right now.
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“It is … mid. I feel ok about that. Most of the nationwide “experts” felt as if they were gonna win the damn SUPER BOWL last year Ross. They had no players anywhere. I feel a good uptick in things which I’m in the end won’t be measurable and that’s ok. It’s a three to four year thing and I hope people realize that. With THAT said I expect a great showing in Ireland and if that’s not accurate, then we got PROBLEMS. Even if they lose week 0, I expect some fire and organization. Out,” one fan wrote.
“Since the last year of Fedora,” another fan wrote.
“After last year, can you blame anyone for not hyping up this program? Lets be real,” one fan added.
“Personally, I like it that way. Enough with all the sideshows and off the field drama (and that goes back to Mack’s last 2 seasons as well). I want to see a team that works hard, is disciplined, and looks PREPARED from the opening kickoff every game, regardless of the opponent,” one fan added.
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UNC will open the season on Aug. 29 against TCU.
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This story was originally published July 26, 2026 at 9:18 AM.