Where do Tar Heels stand halfway through?
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
It isn't a sprint, but UNC football is showing steady progress in its second season under coach Bill Belichick.
The Tar Heels (4-2, 2-1 ACC) continue to emphasize stepping stones of improvement as they prepare for a primetime ACC matchup against Syracuse (2-4, 0-4) on Saturday, Oct. 24 (7:30 p.m., ACC Network), at Kenan Stadium.
A victory over the Orange would give UNC its first three-game winning streak of the Belichick era, another sign of the program moving in the right direction.
"We grow every day. It's solo increments, it's day by day by day. Work ethic, communication, toughness, fundamentals, preparation. They're all important, and they all add up," Belichick said.
"I don't think it's one big jump or hurdle across. It's a lot of stepping stones to traverse the stream."
UNC football in Year 2 under Bill Belichick compared to Year 1
Through six games, the Tar Heels have already matched last season's win total and own a 3-1 record in one-possession games. At the same point in 2025, UNC had been blown out in three of its first four losses and didn't earn its fourth win until Nov. 8.
The improvement is evident on both sides of the ball.
The Tar Heels are averaging 23.5 points per game while allowing 19.2. Through six games last season, UNC averaged 18.6 points per game and surrendered 25 points per outing.
According to Pro Football Focus, Belichick has also taken a significant step forward analytically.
UNC had a 69.1 overall grade in the first six games last season, including games against Charlotte and FCS opponent Richmond. This season, the Heels have an overall grade of 73.8, including a mark of 70.3 in five games against Power Four Competition.
Offensively, UNC has improved from a 61.1 grade to a 67 while the defense has risen from 69.1 to 71.7. The defensive growth is fueled by a red-zone unit that ranks 20th nationally.
The next step is sustaining that level of play for a full 60 minutes. Despite go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth quarter that led to wins at Pitt and Duke, UNC has been outscored 43-23 by its opponents in the final period.
"It's just doing a lot of things, doing them over and over again, and being consistent," Belichick said.
"We've shown that we can do things. The challenge is doing them consistently, doing them for 60 minutes, doing them all the time. It's always hard for all of us: discipline and consistency that we need. The biggest thing is just consistency and discipline."
Tar Heels overcoming injuries
UNC added 40 freshmen to Belichick's second roster and some of them have become steady contributors across all three phases.
"Those are all opportunities for guys to get the playing time that they've been working for," Belichick said. "You don't want to see it happen that way. Sometimes, that's what happens. I go back to (Tom) Brady and (Drew) Bledsoe."
Offensive lineman Christian Alvarez (299 snaps), wide receiver CJ Sadler (172) and tight end Carson Sneed (84) have all carved out meaningful roles.
With double-digit injuries, including six for some of UNC's most important defenders, opportunities have arrived for defensive back Kenton Dopson III (144 snaps), defensive lineman Nicco Maggio (142), linebacker Calvin Thomas (114) and defensive lineman Trey Giddens (93).
Thomas, along with DQ Forkpa (99 snaps) and Jaziel Hart (71) have also seen a lot of time on special teams units. Those snaps could pay dividends beyond this season as UNC continues to build the foundation of Belichick's program.
"We've got a lot of guys that work hard and a lot of guys that are playing well. Guys who are ready for it are able to take advantage of it. … Guys who get an opportunity have to make the most of it and show that they're ready and capable of taking on more responsibility," Belichick said.
