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At a Buc-ee’s, a Belichick call changed McDonald’s football path
CHAPEL HILL — Derek McDonald was at a Buc-ee’s parking lot in Florida, unsure where the next step in his football journey would be when he got a phone call. He might have had his mind on a brisket sandwich, but that quickly changed.
South Dakota 7-footer Fens commits to UNC
Coach Michael Malone got the physical center he needed to complete his first roster at UNC when South Dakota 7-footer Cameron Fens committed to the Tar Heels on Friday. The 255-pound Fens made the announcement in an Instagram post.
Hanners coached Iverson, says Terrence Brown reminds him of ‘The Answer’
For three seasons as a Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, Dave Hanners had a front-row seat to marvel at Allen Iverson’s talent. When Hanners, a former UNC player and assistant coach, saw Terrence Brown Jr. during summer workouts and scrimmages at the Smith Center, it took him back to those three seasons that concluded in 2003.
Tar Heel Tribune Podcast
The “Tar Heel Tribune Podcast,” with hosts Britt Whitmire and R.L. Bynum, gives Tar Heel Tribune readers a conversational companion to the site’s written coverage of Carolina athletics with interviews, opinions and insights.
From LT to Kobe: Belichick delivers masterclass on defending generational talent
CHAPEL HILL — Bill Belichick is known for often giving short answers, but expounding on certain subjects that aren’t directly team-related expansively. That was the case during Thursday’s press conference at the Kenan Football Center when he talked about changing schemes to stop star players in sports, using examples that spanned football, basketball and beyond.
UNC women’s soccer, trying to rebound despite roster turnover, wins exhibition
CHAPEL HILL — After leading UNC to its 23rd national championship as interim coach in 2024, Damon Nahas’ first season without the interim title last year was a down year by program standards. Even still, the Heels came seconds away from making the Elite Eight, and Nahas said that context matters when evaluating where the program stands now.
UNC place-kicker Verhoff returning for his fifth college season
North Carolina place-kicker Rece Verhoff is set to return to Chapel Hill for a fifth college season after a court ruling granted him a fifth season of eligibility, giving the Tar Heels back their leading scorer from a season ago.
Abou Jaoude named to the Nagurski Trophy watch list
North Carolina senior defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Tuesday.
Villanova center Duke Brennan lists UNC as one of the schools that have contacted him
A Duke playing for Carolina? It’s possible. Duke Brennan, the 6–10, 250-pound center who anchored Villanova’s frontcourt last season, has added North Carolina to a growing list of programs pursuing him should the NCAA grant him a fifth year of eligibility.
Court ruling accelerates UNC pursuit of another center, focusing on two
One missing piece in the construction of the roster for Coach Michael Malone’s first North Carolina team is a center who is more physical inside. A court ruling will allow players who just finished their fourth seasons to play a fifth season, and the Tar Heels have been in contact with a pair of centers who might fill that need: 7–1, 212-pound Micah Handlogten, who played the last three seasons at Florida, and 7–0, 255-pound Cameron Fens, who played at South Dakota the past two seasons.
Petrino lays out running back blueprint, starting with pass protection
CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino detailed his philosophy on running backs, and the message was clear: pass protection comes before everything else. Petrino said that a deep and versatile group gives him a foundation for what he wants to build.
Petrino sees promise but not yet separation in UNC QB competition
CHAPEL HILL — Bobby Petrino has a reputation as an offensive genius, and his first challenge as North Carolina’s offensive coordinator is to determine which of six quarterbacks will make the unit most productive. After Thursday’s first practice in which Texas A&M transfer Miles O’Neill, a redshirt sophomore, got the first reps and freshman Travis Burgess was impressive, Petrino was encouraged with what he saw. But the competition is far from settled.
UNC’s non-conference women’s schedule includes four SEC teams and one Big 12 team
North Carolina women’s basketball released its non-conference schedule for 2026-27, and it includes nine opponents visiting Carmichael Arena along with a schedule of high-profile road tests to open the season.
Belichick focuses on practice progress, not the Lombardi story
CHAPEL HILL — Amid the backdrop of the HR investigation into General Manager Michael Lombardi, North Carolina began practice on Thursday. Coach Bill Belichick did not address questions about Lombardi, who is on paid administrative leave, or the reported inquiries about the program from the College Sports Commission.
UNC’s defense was best in ACC last season, but Banghart says it can be better, more aggressive
Any team that had to contend with North Carolina’s torrid defense last season should be warned. Coach Courtney Banghart says that her reconstructed roster should be better on defense.