With Bill Belichick entering his debut campaign at the helm of North Carolina, there is no shortage of question marks surround the Tar Heels. Ahead of the season, college football expert Phil Steele let fans know what to expect from UNC, starting with the team’s offense. Offense “Last year they lost Drake Maye. RB Omarion […]
With Bill Belichick entering his debut campaign at the helm of North Carolina, there is no shortage of question marks surround the Tar Heels. Ahead of the season, college football expert Phil Steele let fans know what to expect from UNC, starting with the team’s offense.
Offense
“Last year they lost Drake Maye. RB Omarion Hampton was back but just one starter on the OLine. My computer called for 34.9 [points per game] and despite losing their starting QB in the opener they came close with 30.9 ppg,” Steele wrote. “This year they lose Hampton, both QB’s and their top 3 WR’s but invested heavily in experienced transfer OL and have capable replacements. My computer calls for 401 [yards per game] and 31.1 ppg.”
North Carolina is essentially starting from scratch on offense. The team is only returning four starters from last season, and will have transfer quarterback Gio Lopez leading the offense.
Lopez transferred to UNC this offseason after spending two years at South Alabama. In the 2024 campaign, Lopez was the team’s full-time starter, completing 66% of his passes for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions.
Lopez’s arm wasn’t his only threat. He also amassed 465 rushing yards and seven TDs on 85 carries. For his efforts, he was named an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention.
North Carolina invested in its offensive line this offseason to ensure Lopez’s safety. Two of the Tar Heels’ top five transfer signees were offensive linemen. Of course, UNC didn’t only beef up its offense.
Defense
“Geoff Collins took over as DC in ’24 and my computer called for them to allow 27 ppg and 371 ypg and they hit those numbers on the head allowing 28 ppg and 376 ypg!” Steele wrote. “Bill Belichick knows defense but they do lose all 7 starters up front from last year. I like the back 7 and they have a ton of transfers and should be improved.”
North Carolina’s defense is returning even less from last season, with just two starters running it back in Chapel Hill. Alas, with Bill Belichick and his son, Steve, calling the shots, it’s difficult to imagine the Tar Heels’ defense won’t be successful.
Bill Belichick fielded some of the best defensive teams of all time in the NFL, and most insiders are expecting his wisdom to transfer to the college game. Belichick added several key defensive transfers this offseason, including cornerback Thaddeus Dixon and linebacker Andrew Simpson.
2025 Forecast
Belichick will need the experienced transfers to step up and lead his relatively green defensive unit. The Tar Heels’ season could very well depend on it.
“NC has not won a bowl since 2019. Belichick signed a lot of talent and solid coordinators. The Tar Heels also draw a favorable ACC schedule, facing most of the bottom teams and avoiding Miami, SMU and Louisville,” Steele wrote.
“A good portion of their incoming transfers have little experience but Belichick develops players and puts them in the right spots. This is a wild card team in the ACC but off a losing season the Tar Heels are my #6 Most Improved team and could be a surprise ACC contender.”
Category: General Sports
