2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 6-6, Loss vs. UConn in Fenway Bowl (27-14)

The Tar Heels began the season 30 in the non-conference before doing into the ACC. A four-game losing streak followed the quick start before winning three more games. It was the ultimate roller-coaster season for North Carolina.

OFFENSE: Multiple Weapons Will Get the Ball

Omarion Hampton is now gone. After years of being the bell cow for the Tar Heels, Hampton has moved onto the NFL and North Carolina will have to use other weapons.

These weapons will include Aziah Johnson, who can get open down the field. Kobe Paysour is the leading returner on the outside with 21 catches and 365 yards.

There will be some pass catchers for new quarterback Max Johnson to work with. The South Alabama transfer threw for more than 3,000 yards with 22 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. After returning from an injury, Johnson is expected to step into the starting role under center.

The offensive line has been rebuilt. Howard Sampson moved to Texas Tech, which was a major loss. The Tar Heels return three starters along the offensive line.

Austin Blaske is a future NFL center while Aidan Banfield is a young guard with a high ceiling. Trevyon Green returns as well as an option to replace Sampson on the left side.

DEFENSE: The Belichick Era has Begun

Bill Belichick made the surprising move to Chapel Hill this offseason and the new era has become. His son, Stephen, is now the defensive coordinator.

The Belichick duo will have a new-look defense to work with but the secondary has a chance to be the bright spot.

Will Hardy and Kaleb Cost are back while corner Marcus Allen came away with two interceptions. The portal was a factor across the board as well, including Thaddeus Dixon from Washington.

The middle of the defense will look completely new. Amare Campbell left for Penn State while Mikai Gbayor transferred in from Nebraska. Another former Huskie is also on his way in with Khmori House coming in.

Up front, the pass rush took a hit with Beau Atkinson transferring out. The portal was big once again with UConn transfer Pryce Yates. Smith Vilbert from Penn State will compete for a spot on the other side to complete the pass rush.

2025 NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Monday, Sept. 1: vs. TCU
• Saturday, Sept. 6: at Charlotte
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Richmond
• Saturday, Sept. 20: at UCF
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Clemson
• Friday, Oct. 17: at Cal
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Virginia
• Friday, Oct. 31: at Syracuse
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. Stanford
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at Wake Forest
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Duke
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at N.C. State