After weeks of embarrassing losses, a quarterback carousel, and rumors of chaos under new head coach Bill Belichick, North Carolina came within inches of a statement win on Saturday.
The struggling Tar Heels took No. 16 Virginia — unbeaten in ACC play — to overtime at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Down 17-16, Belichick went for the win, calling for a two-point conversion. But Gio Lopez’s pass to Benjamin Hall was stopped just short of the goal line, leaving UNC still searching for its first conference victory.
The Tar Heels, who entered the game 2-4 with no wins against Power Four opponents, played their most disciplined and complete game of the season. Still, the effort wasn’t enough, as they fell to 2-5 with a trip to Syracuse up next.
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North Carolina close calls
The start of the 2025 season was disastrous for North Carolina, which was outscored 120-33 against three Power Four opponents — TCU, UCF and Clemson. Tensions reached a boiling point after the Clemson game, with reports of dysfunction within the program and speculation that coach Bill Belichick was exploring exit options. Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham refuted the reports.
The Tar Heels’ two most recent ACC games — a road trip to Cal and a home matchup against No. 16 Virginia — have been more competitive, even if both ended in heartbreak.
The road loss at California was especially painful, as the Tar Heels were just one yard shy of what would have been a major victory. Late in the fourth quarter, with UNC poised to take its first lead of the game, a wide receiver fumbled at the 1-yard line. The Golden Bears recovered in the end zone for a touchback, preserving Cal’s narrow 21-18 lead and sending the Tar Heels home with their fourth loss — but their most competitive showing against a Power Four opponent this season.
This is the most UNC thing of my life. Fumble the 1st play of the game… turns into 7 points for Cal. Fumble in the 4th quarter as you’re about to go up… cost you the game. Pic.twitter.com/QrQP2Rwc1a
— Two Shows One Host (@2shows1host) October 18, 2025
The following week's matchup against No. 16 Virginia only twisted the dagger, as the Tar Heels lost in overtime, 17-16. After scoring in overtime, North Carolina had a chance to tie the game, but Belichick opted to go for two. Running back Benjamin Hall was short of the end zone after Gio Lopez hit him in the flat.
UNC WAS INCHES AWAY FROM THE UPSET 🤯
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) October 25, 2025
North Carolina moves to 0-3 in ACC play 😳pic.twitter.com/dcFFVkEvCL
Although the team's early record remains frustrating, these two close ACC battles show a dramatic improvement in discipline, effort, and defensive continuity compared to the lopsided defeats that opened the season.
MORE: Chandler Morris vs. Gio Lopez stats
UNC 2025 schedule
The Tar Heels dropped to 0-3 in conference play and remain winless against Power-Four opponents.
| Date | Opponent | Time/Result (ET) |
| 09/01 | vs. TCU | L 14-48 |
| 09/06 | at Charlotte | W 20-3 |
| 09/13 | vs. Richmond | W 41-6 |
| 09/20 | at UCF | L 9-34 |
| 10/04 | vs. Clemson | L 10-38 |
| 10/17 | at California | L 18-21 |
| 10/25 | vs. No. 16 Virginia | L 16-17 |
| 10/31 | at Syracuse | 7:30 PM |
| 11/08 | vs. Stanford | TBD |
| 11/15 | at Wake Forest | TBD |
| 11/22 | vs. Duke | TBD |
| 11/29 | at NC State | TBD |
10/31: At Syracuse
The Friday night road trip to the JMA Wireless Dome presents a tough test against a Syracuse team without starting quarterback Steve Angeli.
11/08: vs. Stanford
Stanford (3-4, 2-2 ACC) comes to Chapel Hill for Homecoming, bringing a pass-heavy offense led by quarterback Ben Gulbranson (1,535 yards) but struggling with a poor rushing attack and a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in points allowed.
11/15: at Wake Forest
A road test against Wake Forest (5-2) is a dangerous game; the Demon Deacons utilize a balanced, high-tempo spread offense led by quarterback Robby Ashford (1,172 passing yards, 233 rushing yards) that is highly effective at home.
11/22: vs. Duke
The rivalry game against Duke (4-3) is a huge home matchup featuring one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks, Darian Mensah,and a strong defense that ranks well nationally in points allowed.
11/29: At NC State
The regular season concludes with the emotional Governor’s Cup rivalry game against NC State (4-3), a notoriously difficult road environment where the Tar Heels will face a strong defensive front and a powerful rushing attack led by running back Daylan Smothers.
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