By R.L. Bynum
Questions remain about just how strong Bill Belichick’s first North Carolina team will be — and how high its potential ceiling could climb.
After an offseason fueled by veteran transfers, emerging underclassmen and a wave of highly ranked freshmen, the roster bears little resemblance to last year’s team. That hasn’t impressed prognosticators who picked UNC to finish eighth in the ACC while the Heels got no votes in the preseason national polls and are 59th in ESPN’s FPI.
More than halfway through Belichick’s debut training camp in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels haven’t released a depth chart, but the picture is beginning to take shape as the team held a closed scrimmage at Kenan Stadium on Saturday night.
Here’s how the team stacks up, position by position.
Quarterback: A two-man race, with Lopez providing stability
The favorite to be the starter heading into the Sept. 1 opener against TCU figures to be South Alabama redshirt sophomore Gio Lopez, who will be paid well at UNC. Senior Max Johnson adds experience after recovering from a gruesome leg injury in last season’s opener. Don’t overlook freshman Bryce Baker, the jewel of the 2025 recruiting class. Baker’s arm talent and athleticism are undeniable, and Belichick may find creative ways to get him on the field early. Freshman Au’Tori Newkirk is one to watch for the future.
Running back: Power and depth; one of the deepest rooms — expect a heavy rotation
Sophomore Davion “Bullet” Gause is the likely starter after a promising freshman season. Still, there is plenty of competition, including from redshirt sophomore Michigan transfer Benjamin Hall, another physical runner who can handle a heavy workload. Senior Caleb Hood provides veteran insurance if he can stay healthy, and true freshman three-star player Demon June has big-play ability. Belichick was known for using lots of running backs when he coached the New England Patriots, and rewarding the best pass blockers.
Wide receiver: Veteran leaders and freshman speed; A balanced unit that mixes reliability with game-breaking upside
Sophomore Jordan Shipp is poised for a breakout season, while redshirt senior Kobe Paysour brings experience and consistency. Redshirt sophomore Michigan State transfer Aziah Johnson and junior Chris Culliver are full of potential, and freshmen Alex Taylor and Javarius Green showed explosive playmaking ability in high school. Two other transfers — redshirt sophomore Nathan Leacock from Tennessee and redshirt freshman Jason Robinson Jr. from Washington — could also push for snaps.
Offensive line: Transfer reinforcements; experience-heavy, but health will be key
Belichick dipped into the portal to rebuild the trenches. The early rotation will be hampered by the foot injury to versatile graduate Austin Blaske, who is expected to return in early October. Holy Cross transfer Christo Kelly likely starts at center until then. Tackle Will O’Steen, a redshirt senior from Jacksonville State, and sophomore guard Aidan Banfield should anchor the left side. Others in the mix are redshirt senior Troy transfer Daniel King, redshirt junior Prairie View A&M transfer William Boone and redshirt junior Trevyon Green, with freshmen Trey Blue and Eidan Buchanan developing behind them.
Tight end: Bigger role ahead and a position that could surprise under new staff
UNC hasn’t always leaned on tight ends, but that could change under Belichick. Junior Jake Johnson headlines the group, with redshirt senior Central Arkansas transfer Jordan Owens and redshirt senior South Carolina Connor Cox also getting their share of snaps. Redshirt sophomore Arkansas transfer Shamar Easter and graduate Paul Barton — a four-year lacrosse letterman — are also in the mix. Expect to see more two-tight-end looks this season.
Defensive line: Veteran transfers up front; UNC’s most battle-tested unit
The front four is stacked with experienced players from the portal. The Tar Heels have redshirt seniors at the edges in Penn State transfer Smith Vilbert — who began his college career in 2019 — and UConn transfer Pryce Yates, with junior ECU transfer CJ Mims and sophomore Florida transfer D’Antre Robinson on the interior. Three transfers are competing for time — redshirt juniors Melkart Abou-Jaoude from Delaware and Isaiah Johnson from Arizona, as well as redshirt sophomore Joseph Mupoyi from Penn State.
Linebackers: Steady in the middle with reliable starters, but thin if injuries pile up
Redshirt senior Boise State transfer Andrew Simpson is the heart of the defense at middle linebacker, paired with sophomore Washington transfer Khmori House at weakside linebacker. Graduate Missouri transfer Mikai Gbayor is also in the mix, and redshirt sophomore Tyler Thompson provides depth after playing three games last season as a true freshman.
Secondary: Experienced and deep with freshmen waiting their turn
At cornerback, seniors Marcus Allen and Washington transfer Thaddeus Dixon (below tweet) give UNC a veteran tandem. At the safety spots, senior ECU transfer Gavin Gibson and redshirt junior Wisconsin transfer Coleman Bryson (RS JR/TR) bring physicality and range with senior Will Hardy in the mix and junior Kaleb Cost slots in at nickel. Freshmen Ty White and Jaiden Patterson round out a talented group.
Special teams: Veteran specialists and dangerous return men
Senior Marshall transfer Rece Verhoff (14 field goals last season, including a career-best 51-yarder) should handle place-kicking and kickoffs, with senior Tom Maginness the punter (41.1-yard average last season). In the return game, look for Culliver and freshman Javarius Green to spark big plays on kickoffs, with Hardy on punt returns.
The depth chart shows a team built to win now if the many newcomers can develop chemistry early. Belichick has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to fill holes as some true freshmen push for meaningful playing time. If the quarterback situation stabilizes and the offensive line holds up, this roster has the potential to exceed expectations.
| Month/ date | Score/ time | Opponent | Record/ TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | |||
| 1 | L, 48–14 | vs. TCU | 0–1 |
| 6 | W, 20–3 | at Charlotte | 1–1 |
| 13 | W, 41–6 | vs. Richmond | 2–1 |
| 20 | L, 34–9 | at UCF | 2–2 |
| October | |||
| 4 | L, 38–10 | vs. Clemson | 2–3, 0–1 ACC |
| 17 (Fri.) | L, 21–18 | at California | 2–4, 0–2 |
| 25 | L, 17–16, OT | vs. No. 16 Virginia | 2–5, 0–3 |
| 31 (Fri.) | W, 27–10 | at Syracuse | 3–5, 1–3 |
| November | |||
| 8 | W, 20–15 | vs. Stanford | 4–5, 2–3 |
| 15 | L, 28–12 | at Wake Forest | 4–6, 2–4 |
| 22 | L, 32–25 | vs. Duke | 4–7, 2–5 |
| 29 | L, 42–19 | at N.C. State | 4–8, 2–6 |
Top photo by Joshua Lawton; profile photos courtesy of UNC Athletics Communications
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