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UNC faces three teams ranked in preseason AP poll, including two in top 10
The preseason AP Top 25 football poll offers more proof that North Carolina’s 2026 schedule is far tougher than the one it faced during a 4–8 season a year ago. Virginia was the Tar Heels’ only ranked opponent last season (No. 16 when UNC lost 17-16 in overtime at Kenan Stadium on Oct. 25), but this year they’ll face three ranked teams, including two in the top 10, along with four others that received votes.
Devey nets hat trick as No. 8 UNC dominates on both ends
CHAPEL HILL — The focal point for No. 8 North Carolina is clear, at least through two matches. As the striker in the 3–2–4–1 formation, sophomore Bella Devey has already equaled her goal total from last season. She followed up a brace in the opener with a hat trick in the first 14½ minutes of the Tar Heels’ dominant 8–0 victory Sunday over Quinnipiac.
Tar Heels in NFL: Howell makes case to be Dallas backup, throws TD pass in solid game; several linemen get chance to prove themselves
Sam Howell threw a long touchdown pass for the Dallas Cowboys to highlight the performances of former UNC players on the first weekend of NFL preseason games. Howell started for the Cowboys in their 17–7 win over Seattle and made his case to be the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott.
With Keita clearing hurdle, Malone has plenty of center options
With Sayon Keita clearing a key hurdle standing between him and a Carolina jersey, his arrival completes a frontcourt reconstruction that has been at the forefront of Coach Michael Malone’s first UNC offseason.
Portal payoff: Seelmann’s instincts bolster UNC’s linebacker group
CHAPEL HILL — Payton Seelmann spent one productive Saturday last season lining up across from North Carolina in a Richmond uniform. Now he’s wearing Carolina blue, and Bill Belichick has already found plenty to like about the linebacker’s game.
Why is LSU transfer running back Jackson wearing No. 62 in practice?
CHAPEL HILL — What’s in a number? With one number much higher than it should be, Kaleb Jackson is wearing a number much higher than you would expect from a running back. Like last season at LSU, the running back reported to camp weighing significantly more than he should be.
UNC rolls to win in opener behind braces from Munson, Devey
CHAPEL HILL — Thunder from the back line ignited No. 8 Carolina to an impressive opening-night victory. Two sophomores delivered braces and nearly hat tricks as the Tar Heels cruised to a 4–0 women’s soccer victory Thursday over Fairfield at Dorrance Field in the opener for both teams.
When do Tar Heels play in NFL preseason openers this weekend? Brooks breaks hand
Every team with a Tar Heel in NFL training camps plays its preseason opener this weekend, with stars such as Drake Maye or Javonte Williams unlikely to play. In contrast, others will take snaps attempting to solidify their positions. Among the former UNC players who won’t be playing is Houston fullback British Brooks, who had surgery Aug. 5 to repair a broken hand suffered in practice, and is expected to be out a few more weeks.
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.
Trimble will transfer to Louisville
Seth Trimble is headed to ACC rival Louisville. Trimble gives Coach Pat Kelsey’s program another marquee player for a team already projected among the best in the country. UNC faces the Cardinals twice next season, meaning Trimble will return to the Smith Center in another uniform.
UNC offers scholarship to 6–5 Class of 2027 wing Page
North Carolina has offered a scholarship to 6–5 Class of 2027 wing Jordan Page, marking the 11th player in the top 15 of the class to get an offer from the Tar Heels.
UNC to face USC in Greensboro men’s basketball exhibition game
Coach Michael Malone’s first Carolina team will get two challenging exhibition contests before the games count. UNC is set to face USC in an exhibition at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, before traveling to Indianapolis nine days later for a second exhibition against Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, Oct. 18, in a game that had been announced in June.
Who likely starts for Malone, and how does the rotation look?
Now that construction of Coach Michael Malone’s first North Carolina roster is evidently complete, the question becomes how he’ll use that group.
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.