DB Allen embraces leadership role in UNC’s revamped defense

CHAPEL HILL — With a new season approaching and North Carolina aiming to redefine its defense, senior defensive back Marcus Allen is stepping into a pivotal role — one that blends expectation with experience, mentorship with motivation.

Hood returns with renewed fire: ‘This is where God wanted me to be’

CHAPEL HILL — Sitting behind the lectern at the Kenan Football Center, North Carolina running back Caleb Hood spoke with a calm certainty — a man not just returning to a team, but to a calling.

Photo gallery from Belichick’s first UNC practice

Coach Bill Belichick conducted his first practice as North Carolina’s football coach on Saturday morning. Here is a peek at some of the scenes from the morning drills.

Max Johnson’s comeback: A broken leg, a broken season, but an unbreakable will

CHAPEL HILL — For North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson, stepping onto the practice field Saturday was an answer to prayers. He wondered if that moment was possible as he lay on the field in pain during the opener at Minnesota. He didn’t know what his injury was, only that it was substantial.

Belichick embraces the unknown on UNC’s first day of practice

CHAPEL HILL — On a drizzly, overcast early August morning, there was a different energy in the air as Carolina opened football practice, one with the unmistakable tension of high expectations. Bill Belichick stepped to the lectern at the Kenan Football Center before his first practice as Carolina coach, expressing his brand of excitement with his signature monotone delivery.

Deja Kelly, still pursuing hoop dreams, signs with Athletes Unlimited

The last few months have been a whirlwind for Deja Kelly — an emotional, unpredictable ride that’s tested her focus and reshaped her career path.

Hampton only plays six snaps in Chargers debut, but shows potential

Omarion Hampton got a taste of the NFL on Thursday night at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, and the NFL got a glimpse of his potential.

7–0 Matlekovic transferring to UNC, providing front-court depth

North Carolina added depth to its front court and another big body when rising sophomore Ivan Matlekovic committed to the Tar Heels, according to multiple reports.

Maye shows growth during training camp, has no interceptions in 7 practices

Entering his second NFL season, former UNC quarterback Drake Maye has been impressive during New England Patriots training camp, not just in command of the offense, but in execution.

Gakdeng leads South Sudan to Afrobasket semifinals in country’s historic debut

In its first appearance at the Women’s Afrobasket tournament, South Sudan has advanced to the semifinals — thanks in large part to two standout performances from former North Carolina center Maria Gakdeng.

With soft ACC schedule, UNC could easily top predicted 8th-place finish

Coach Bill Belichick’s first North Carolina team could easily exceed its predicted eighth-place ACC finish, thanks in large part to a forgiving schedule.

QB Gio Lopez embraces his opportunity at UNC, playing for Belichick

CHARLOTTE — When Gio Lopez entered the transfer portal after a breakout season at South Alabama, he wasn’t just looking for a new school — the quarterback was looking for a new challenge. What he found at North Carolina was precisely that: a shot at the major conference spotlight, a quarterback competition in Chapel Hill and a chance to be coached by Bill Belichick. The decision didn’t take long.

Banghart loaded with talented depth despite losing three starters

Courtney Banghart didn’t need a whiteboard to diagram the message: UNC women’s basketball isn’t just building — it’s evolving fast. With a roster retooled through precision in the portal, a freshman class loaded with length and swagger, and a schedule built for statement wins, Banghart explained during a 38-minute summer press conference why year seven might be the season the Tar Heels stop knocking on the door and start kicking it in.

UNC women to play high-profile exhibition in Atlanta against South Carolina

Coach Courtney Banghart’s seventh team at North Carolina will get a huge preseason test. The Tar Heels’ women’s basketball team takes on powerhouse South Carolina in an exhibition at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Thursday, Oct. 30.